Don't kiss the stickers

When I gather cactus I never use gloves for two very specific reasons. A bare hand will teach you to take only those parts that are ready for harvesting because they'll be loose enough to detach, and will force you to leave enough parts that are protected by the meanest of thorns to allow the plant to continue. Wearing gloves (or using tongs) is like wearing mufflers to a concert - you can't hear the music properly. Remove the gloves, touch lightly, and listen.