Thanks for all the feedback on my previous entry, guys.
I say keep your hands to yourself, period. No questions asked. It’s indisputable – it’s wrong on so many levels to even touch anyone, be it a girl or a boy, anywhere other than the hand the first time you meet.
Posted by: Anonymous
I think it should be strictly hands off during a first meeting… but it kinda depends. When I was in Australia, it was kinda acceptable that the Aussies were touchy. You’d think to yourself: Ahhh. They’re just being friendly… they’re like that with everyone! Back in Malaysia however, it’s more like… EEE! What is this guy up to arr?
Not sure if this is an example of blatant double standards or just a cultural difference! 😀Posted by: spirit3d
It just doesn’t feel right to be touched by someone at the first meeting. Not anyplace, let alone the small of your back, even the friendly-shoulder-hugging is a no-no. But I am an Asian, and being brought up in a conservative family too. So maybe u can hug Western girls at your first meeting (heck, you can even bed some of them), or Asian girl brought up Western style.
However, if you do that to me, I’ll be extra careful to avoid you the next time we’re in the same place.Posted by: fei
Looks like there’s a lot of conservative people in Malaysia!
Perhaps it is because I tend to mix with the younger and more “liberal” crowd in Kuching, but light-touching or hugging among friends and friends of friends in a social atmosphere is definitely very common around here.
I do hope people here can lighten up a bit though. Asian or not, I reckon the world could do with a bit more friendly physical touches. Imagine how boring life is gonna be if you go out to a PARTY with the intention to meet new people, but then you have to keep your hands strictly to yourself the entire time!
It is gonna be so boring, you might as well go attend a business meeting.
Then there are also some who brought up the “looks” argument.
I don’t mind. IF he is cute enough.
Posted by: Party-Ann
As long as you’re handsome, everything will be fine! =D
Posted by: Alex
If the guy is handsome, then a physical touch is okay; if the guy is some ugly shit, pls stay away! Hahaha…
Posted by: Mil
The answer to Kenny’s anxiety is – obviously, girls will only let GOOD-LOOKING guys (though not all the time) touch them when they first meet. I’m not trying to offend, but with looks like KENNY SIA a bit fat a bit chi kor pek face, i will feel so GROSS OUT and think that he’s a hamsup man and likes to take advantage of girls.
Posted by: easy peasy
Call it superficial, but it’s true.
Studio photo courtesy of Alvin Leong Photography
If you have looks as unfortunate as mine, girls are not exactly gonna be very receptive to you touching them at all. Even a friendly gesture of touching at the back momentarily is gonna be taken as something sleazy, no matter how genuine you want it to be.
But if you look like DAVID BECKHAM, then suddenly it becomes a wholeeeee different story.
Then you don’t have to touch them at all, THEY WILL TOUCH YOU.
ALL OVER THE PLACE!
THEN YOU’LL BE WRITING A BLOG COMPLAINING WHY SO MANY GIRLS DON’T RESPECT YOUR PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCH YOU!
*sigh*
Sad lah. It seems like the only way people can ever accept my friendly gesture without misunderstanding is if:
(a) I’m good-looking; or
(b) I’m macho; or
(c) I’m Caucasian; or
(d) All of the above.
Or maybe I should just turn into David Beckham.
So, can I touch now?
Socio-political youth mag TheCicak is organising an essay competition themed 50 Years 50 Heroes: Young Malaysians You Need to Know. Interested? Then go check out their website!