When Handshakes Are Not Enough

Seems when I catch up with my Christian bloke mates these days, we always embrace with man hugs. I used to think this was just because a previous generation of men had been slightly uncomfortable with their sexuality. Or perhaps emotionally restrained under the inference that they were a “tougher” man as a result of emotional coldness.

Looking around though, I see a general openness within society about sexual and general physical touch. I have to wonder whether it is a good thing or a bad. Whether it come straight from the TV/movie culture or whether it is a general cultural knee-jerk against a generation gone by.

I’m sure in generations past when two men shook hands heartily with nothing further, they meant it, and it was enough. These days it seems the handshake is just more for the person you don’t know so much or don’t expect to see again, but want to express some parting sentiment to.

Boundaries are a good thing and not allowing all emotions to gush forth is also good, but it’s an interesting phenomenon to think about where this additional thrust toward physical affection has spawned from...

Then there is the biblical precedent of “greeting each other with a holy kiss”, still an expression of affection within our society that has its share of presumption and assumption attached and I wouldn’t even think about kissing a good bloke mate, just doesn’t register as an option.

If I have a son, I would like to give him hugs and kisses growing up though. Cement into his character that his father loves him heaps, and that his Father loves him heaps too.