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, some parts of Asia, and traditionally in some Mediterranean and Southern European cultures (especially in Sicily) it is done also by men and/or boys for friendship and/or a sign of respect.
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]
See also
References
- ^ Holguin, Jaime (11 February 2009). "Abdullah-Bush Stroll Strikes Nerve". CBS News.