Holding hands
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Holding hands is a form of physical intimacy involving two or more people. It may or may not be romantic.
Cultural aspects
Whether friends hold hands depends on culture and gender: in Western culture this is mainly done by women and small children (sometimes for authoritative control, not affection), spouses and romantic couples. In Arab countries, Africa and some parts of Asia it is done also by men and/or boys for friendship and/or a sign of respect.
The tradition of holding hands originated in the 16th century in France.
The custom of men holding hands can cause discomfort in societies unused to it, as it did with some Americans, when, in 2005, then Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia held hands in public with the American president George W. Bush.[1] 74% of gay male respondents in a 2014 EU Fundamental Rights Agency survey say they avoid holding hands in public for fear of harassment and assault.[2]
See also
References
- ^ Holguin, Jaime (11 February 2009). "Abdullah-Bush Stroll Strikes Nerve". CBS News.
- ^ "EU LGBT survey - European Union lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender survey - Main results" (pdf). Fundamental Rights Agency. October 2014. p. 87. Retrieved 31 October 2014.