╱ i once read a post that talked about how rapunzel was raised by gothel not to show physical affection unless given permission . for example , when rapunzel grabs ahold of mother gothel's arm out of excitement as she reminds her it's her birthday the next day , gothel pries rapunzel's hands from her . and during the song " mother knows best , " she uses rapunzel's need for affection to taunt and teach her a lesson . however , eugene is affectionate with her first and from the start , slowly teaching her that physical attention is alright and good . so from then on , i'm making this a headcannon that rapunzel is instinctively very affectionate , especially with the people closest to her , and may more often or not seek out physical contact for reassurance .