HOMOPHOBIC CULTURAL OBSERVATIONS I’m from New England. English heritage. We’re ‘

HOMOPHOBIC CULTURAL OBSERVATIONS

I’m from New England. English heritage. We’re ‘huggy’. Still familial. And teasing is still part of our language.

In business I pretty much hug everyone. Despite what people say about being uncomfortable, demonstrated approval both reduces people’s fear of you as ‘the boss’ and creates a more relaxed atmosphere.

In every company I use and try to propagate this kind of affection. It works.

So, here in Ukraine it’s just not OK. I hugged a guy yesterday and he said “this is making me uncomfortable”. I laughed. Said it was cultural.

But you don’t see three drunk guys walking down the street with their arms around each other here.

I like our way better. Men are men here. That’s true.

But if you’re confident in your masculinity then you shouldn’t be offended by false threats to it.