why is it that in USA holding hands means people are a pair?

Question

in my country where i live it was ok for anyone to hold hands! same gender, all my friends held hands all the time. and it brings people closer... and here they will think were gay.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

It's just the cultural idea here about holding hands. I think I heard that in Malaysia, two females who are good friends and aren't gay will often hold hands.

I think countries in general just have to be more aware of what a particular action means in another country. Like if you're in Japan, you should know to bow a certain way or it would be disrespectful or show agression...something to do with whether or not you should make eye contact.

I think it would be wrong to assume that you and your friend are gay. Sometimes, another country's culture isn't thought about & it causes alot of problems. It's the same for an American, who goes to a foreign country and happens to be unaware that particular gesture that is good or means nothing in the US...so they do it in the other country and it means something bad. Even if it's an accident that someone offends another, it still makes things awkward.

Answer 2

Yes, we do hold hands only with people we are dating or romantically involved with, or small children for their protection. It is a sign of affection and closeness as you mention.

While you did not say what country you live in, there are probably other customs that are very different from your country and ours.
Each country has their own customs that are different from other cultures.

Probably the most annoying American habit is our greeting, though. "How are you?" The only correct answer is "I'm fine, thank you"

What country are you in, and how do people that are couples walk as a couple if everyone can hold hands in your country?

Answer 3

The States as a nation is judgemental and homophobic. While we haven't passed an amendment banning gay marriage yet, the fact that this was brought up as a legitimate piece of legislature shows our mentality. I guess the States has Puritanical roots and this continues to show through.

Answer 4

In the Middle East-- where homosexuality is as normal as setting your wife on fire for letting a man see her face---men holding hands is more readily seen than a man and a woman holding hands.

In India--where homosexuality is an accepted culture and where setting your wife on fire is as normal as smoking the new batch of opium in your new water pipe, there are men holding hands with men, men kissing men, and men showing physical affection for men in public will be seen before you will see a man showing affection to a woman.

Answer 5

I dont know why a person would hold hands If this Is not a relationship or someone Is ill.
I would think that you are a couple and you were gay.

Answer 6

I don't know where you are living, but where I live in the Southeast it is okay to hold peoples hands. I don't automaticaly think someone is gay if they hold hands. Get new friends! or move!

Answer 7

Blame the media. Media wants to define society all the time and they are the first to do so because most will believe what they say when reality says otherwise.

Ignore what you don't believe in. Chances are many don't believe some of the stuff people want to say.

Answer 8

Is your country England?

Dude, I am not going to walk down the streets in my town, holding hands with my Buddies. It ain't happening.

Answer 9

When I went to Korea, EVERY pair of girls were holding hands. We thought there were many lesbos there. I don't know it is a cultural difference. We don't kiss cheeks when we meet someone either.

Answer 10

When I was younger/ a teen me and my friends(girls) used to walk with our arms linked and that was normal but we never held hands.