Recently, my daughter brought up something interesting. Holding hands with a guy. Not sure how she learned this, but some how she instinctively thought that a man’s hand should be on top and the woman’s hand goes under as they are walking. I hope I am explaining this properly. See photos.
In the left photo, the girls hand is on top, the boy’s hand under. On the right photo, the boys hand is on top, the girls hand is under.
My daughter said that lately, guys always slip their hand under hers, which makes her feel like she is the dominant person in the relationship. I told her in my generation, the man’s hand was always on top, he was the protector… at least that is how I have always known it to be.
For me, it would feel funny if a man went to hold my hand and slipped his hand under mine. This reminds me of “mother mode,” the mother always takes a child’s hand and pulls him/her along. A mother instinctively takes a child’s hand in hers, she is the protector.
So… WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Is that hand on top meant to be the protector, the leader, the dominant person in the relationship, the breadwinner even? Does it matter?
Brilliant Viewpoint 
I’ve never thought about that. Ok…I’m thinking….
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah… I never thought about it either until my daughter brought it up. How did she learn or think about this? From holding hands with her Dad when she was little? it’s not something I taught her. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never thought about this either (kind of like which shoe you put on first) but now I’m going to notice every time I hold my wife’s hand. Will be an awkward moment if I’m inclined to reverse positions, won’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think I’d really notice the difference. We often hold hands sideways, so neither hand is over the other…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same here, our hands naturally fall sideways so that is how we clasp 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’ll have to conduct a study……but you so seldom see anyone here holding hands now with COVID!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My husband and I were having the same discussion only days ago, then I found your comment on the very subject.
I have to admit, I totally agree with your daughter and you for that matter – The dominant/protector should be on top, without wishing to start any debate about (Men & Women or the battle of the sexes)
Also, I find it just doesn’t feel right the other way, but ultimately the choice is yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for stopping by. Yes, this is tricky. The world has changed so much that there don’t seem to be distinct roles anymore. It will be interesting to see where our world is headed.
LikeLike