Why is it that only lesbians, gays, lovers or couples can hold hands? Why not friends?

Question

its not nasty

Answer 1

who said they cant

Answer 2

I was in a country where it was not unusual for male freinds to hold hands- It did seem odd to me-

In America- outside of the romantic element of holding hands- the only other time we do it is to give assistance (children, old people, etc)

Just like we don't kiss each others cheeks without it meaning allot more here then it does in other countries, etc.

Answer 3

Not true, I've seen friends hold hands. But given most of the time they were both female. I suppose in our current society it is considered akward or homosexual for two people of the same gender to be seen holding hands together. I see men and women who are just friends hold hands daily. But never two straight men, unless in a time of grief.

Answer 4

Depends on your location - in many places in Africa, men and women don't hold hands, but men do - and when you are having a serious conversation, another man will hold your hand to help focus the conversatoin.

Hand holding is a cultural variable, and while it is true that the standards in the US are changing, it is not true in other parts of the world.

Answer 5

I actually hold hands sometimes with some of my friends. But in answer to your question, the prohibition against holding hands is a cultural thing. It is permissible in many cultures.

Answer 6

I don't think friends need to hold hands. I do link arms with my friends when we go shopping or if we are walking in the city together.

Answer 7

You must live in North America... friends holding hands is not out of the ordinary in other places.

Answer 8

Friends of all genders hold hands in other countries.
The phenomenon you note is, I think, mostly an
American oddness.

We've gotten very uptight in this country, and are
so threatened by anything that might be perceived
as homosexuality. Its silly.

Eventually, most people will realize how silly it is.

I think you should go ahead and do it - and if people
look oddly at you, tell them that this person is your
friend and that they have dirty minds and that they
should be ashamed of themselves.

Answer 9

Truely noone should be afraid to take the hand of their friend and hold onto it. Don't worry about outside opinions

Answer 10

I agree with you, I think it's fine, too, who cares what others think. My daughter is grown and we still hold hands sometimes when we're shopping; you should see some of the looks we get. We love each other, so who cares what others think.

Answer 11

It's based on a common misconception among us...holding hands automatically equals couple. You can still do it, though, if you don't care enough about what others think.