Why is it that when you tickle yourself, it does not tickle?

Answer 1

because its more unexpected and uncontrolled when sumeone else does it

Answer 2

Well, scientists believe that tickling is the remains of a really old instinct. You know how baby animals, like puppies or bear cubs, etc., play fight? They do that as babies so that they can practice for the real combat later in life. Apply that idea to humans. Before we were very complex beings, children probably would play fight against each other, and if one of them touched their counterpart's most vulnerable areas of attack, the sensation of ticklishness would ensue. Think about it. People are the most ticklish in their most vulnerable areas, the neck, tummy, underarms etc. The sensation of a tickle is like a playful alert that someone has excess to your most vulnerable areas, which would be bad in a combat situation. Also, in other proof of this theory, tickling is still a very intimate action as it was centuries ago. You don't tickle strangers, do you? Because you have to trust the person that's tickling you to interpret it as a tickle and not an attack. (If some stranger on the bus touched your neck, are you more likely to giggle or turn and kick him?)

Now, with that said, you can't play fight or roughhouse with yourself, can you?
Hope that helped.

Answer 3

I would say that E S almost had it right. While it is true that the element of surprise plays a major role in how much it will tickle, you are also missing the element of control.

If a friend or loved one restrained you and tickled you - you would have no control over where you were tickled, how long you were tickled, how fast or slow you were tickled, how gently or firmly you were tickled and what instruments you were tickled with (id fingernails, feathers, paint brushes, ice...)

When you tickle yourself, you control everything. There is no surprise as to where you are about to be tickled, how long you will be tickled or with what instrument you will tickle yourself. You will stop tickling yourself when YOU choose to stop.

When you are tickled by somebody else, they possess the element of surprise and the element of control. I only hope that when they tickle you - it is consensual and it is meant to be as fun for you as it is for them.

All the best to you!

Answer 4

I'd say it's because we're social beings, hard-wired to respond to contact and interaction with others. Self-massage doesn't feel nearly as good as being massaged by others (and there the element of surprise is far less crucial than in tickling). Likewise, most people consider masturbation to be inferior to sex – because it lacks the element of intimacy, of contact with another.

It's possible to surprise oneself. But social interaction, which is a vital element of the human experience, can only take place when another being is involved.

(By the way, this is an awesome question.)

Answer 5

Some places it still does. Try tickling the roof of your mouth by lightly running your finger back and forth across it, especially the ridge where it comes down to meet your gums.

Answer 6

Nadia , I have no damn idea. That is a great question. I guess tickling has something to do with shyness and we cannot be shy to ourself?

Answer 7

what's missing is the element of surprise (when you tickle yourself),,,the element of surprise is exciting and provokes more tickling.

Answer 8

because when ur nerves touch each other, your brain sends the message from one nerve to the other, so you expect it and dont feel your own tickle.

Answer 9

Because it is a sensation in the nerves that is caused by something unexpected... and when you do it you brain sends a message saying... this isn't funny - I know it is you.

Answer 10

i dont know ive tried that before but soda always helps to giggle...i think