Fnord wrote:
When a loving, affectionate, and playful father suddenly stops treating his daughter like a kid and starts treating her with appropriate respect -- right about the same time she begins the reproductive phase of her life -- that alone sends the message that there is something shameful about being a woman.
(So I have been told by some women.)[/color]
Huh. I've never given much thought on the subject. Personally, there wasn't much change in behaviour from my parents when I hit puberty. My dad still gives me bear hugs because he finds it amusing to see me squirm out of it. The only time someone got the wrong impression was a confused old woman who thought I was dating my dad and said I could do better. There was no physical affection in that instance though, we were just walking down a pavement. She had no reason to assume this, so it was a puzzling interaction.
My parents aren't usually physically affectionate in public, hugs are more either out of politeness (such as visiting relatives) or for emotional comfort (dealing with grief, raising my spirits, preparing for a long time apart etc) and are generally done in private. There are a few exceptions, such as at train stations or maybe as a quick greeting at a nice restaurant. I am more likely to hug a friend in public (although I'm not that big on physical affection, I have to be fairly comfortable with someone before I am comfortable with physical affection from them).
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