In previous parts of this segment we looked thought some of the places where flirting and touching may get you in trouble. But traveling, meeting people, having their hospitality and support for some of us at some point may give us a reason to make a hug. Especially if it’s a public place where we see them for the first or for the last time. And especially if one of these people is our partner. These are parts of the world where you may pay for your appreciative emotions with time, conflicts and money.

China

Spontaneous hugs are contrary to traditions of China. In spite of having a lot of open-minded youth, Chinese people rarely shake hands and very rarely hug in public. So, if you go for a hug you risk to make people feel uncomfortable, since they might think that you have no respect to their personal space.

Consequences: people may think that you are impolite.

Thailand

Thais are known for being very smiley and friendly people. They like to hug, but it appears to be that not all of them approve this behavior when it comes down to students. In 2018 Warat Phrueksakulnan, the director of Bureau of Scout Movement, Red Cross Youth and Student Affairs, stated that students are not allowed to kiss and even cuddle in public and in private places.

He also noted that the stricter rules should applied during Valentine’s Day celebrations, when people’s desire to express their feelings publicly reaches its peak.

Traditional Thai morality prohibits public display of affection. The maximum that couples tend to allow in terms of their intimacy is holding their hands. Even married couples try not to touch each other in public places.

Consequences: teachers might make it harder for you to pass the exams.

Turkey

Restrained intimate emotions are welcomed in Turkey. And therefore, hugging people in public is not a common practice. Local men feel protective of their women as well as guests of their country. But it may depend on different locations of the country. For instance, if we talk about Istanbul, such district as Beşiktaş, or Taksim square are safe for romantic behavior. But in some other places hugging is not tolerated. It would be impossible for you to get away with an attempt to do it even with your own girlfriend in public. So as we it was said earlier, do keep in mind to study the city and even districts you plan to visit.

Consequences: locals may assume that you disrespect their culture and as a result confront you for you actions.

United Arab Emirates

Public displays of affection are not well-tolerated in Dubai. It is not acceptable to hug in public places unless you are a married couple. If policemen stop you because you are holding hands while hugging and you won’t be able to prove that you are married, you might get in trouble. You got to be careful in such places as office buildings, malls and especially restaurants. But even if you are staying at a hotel with a lot of Muslim visitors, they may also alert the authorities about inappropriacy of your behavior.

According to traveltips.usatoday.com, once you check into a hotel, it is a lot better to refer to each other and “husband” and “wife” rather than saying “my boyfriend” or “my fiance.” This could help prevent potential problems, as the administration will be more hesitant to call the police if they remember you as a married couple.

Consequences: someone can call the police on you, and you will be very likely to pay fine.

COVID-19 note: due to continuous spread of coronavirus pandemic, people’s reaction to all above mentioned types of contacts may be to 3 times stricter.

About the Author: Zack Hargrove is a rock journalist and editor. His teammates are willing to assist anyone who struggles at computer classes during pandemic and needs a professional programming homework help online.