Some people are only ticklish sometimes, while others are not ticklish at all. Scientists have discussed the tickle response for hundreds of years, yet researchers are only just beginning to understand why some people are ticklish, and what purpose this strange response might serve.

Is it normal not to be ticklish?

But have you noticed that some people aren't ticklish? And some people enjoy being tickled and others who find it miserable? Good news: It's all normal.

What makes people ticklish?

What makes someone ticklish? There are a couple schools of thought on what makes someone ticklish. One theory is that being ticklish evolved as a defense mechanism to protect vulnerable areas of the body and to show submission. ... Older research shows both pain and touch nerve receptors are triggered during tickling.