Cuddle culture: How cuddling practices vary in across the globe

While cuddles continue to remain a universal unspoken language to express love, and make your partner feel safe, people across the world have got different ways to do it. A person’s culture and surroundings have a lot to do with how they, and the community, show and give affection. While some choose to embrace and hug it out openly, there are many countries and cultures with a more reserved approach. Should you go out and travel across the world, it’s important to know these differences for a better understanding of the world we live in, and how different cultures cuddle and display this form of affection. 

United States of America

A common form to express, the way Americans cuddle depends entirely on the dynamics of the relationship, ranging from casual to deeply intimate. A couple would cuddle on the couch while watching a movie, or reading a book. Or have one partner wrap their arms around the other in bed or even spoon them. Cuddling isn’t frowned upon outdoors as one witnesses it in parks and concerts. That said, it entirely depends on the location and comfort levels of the two people involved. Come to a family dynamic and parents often cuddle with their children making bedtime a moment that helps build comfort and security. 

Scandinavian countries

The nations might be different, but what binds them together is the importance of cuddles that are well rooted in their culture and values that give a lot of importance to building connections and mental health by doing something comforting. In Sweden, couples and close friends enjoy cosying up. The people there believe in the concept of ‘mys’ (cosiness) that fosters a sense of warmth and comfort along with both people drawing boundaries and respecting each other’s personal space. The same is seen in Denmark, the happiest country in the world that values ‘hygge’. An important part of Danish culture and its lifestyle, it’s a feeling that personifies warmth, comfort and good mental health. The Finns, too, have a concept, one they call ‘sisu’ that translates to the inner strength that they get by having close bonds with their partner. 

France and Italy

Cuddling in France, which is home to Paris—the romance capital of the world is a reflection of the nation’s passionate culture. Be it in friendships, relationships, or family interactions, cuddling is seen as a way to express affection and warmth. Take a walk around a park or street in the country and you’ll see a public display of affection as couples cuddle, hold hands or embrace. The same is seen in Italy, where cuddling is seen as a warm, vibrant and expressive part of any relationship that’s tied to how important affection and connections are for its people.  

Latin America

Cuddling in South America highlights the strong familial ties prevalent in the region. Known to be extremely warm and expressive, cuddling is an extremely common phenomenon amongst Brazilians, be it in any of their relationships. In Argentina, cuddling is considered an intimate and private affair that only takes place between couples and close-knit family members. The less reserved countries in the region are Chile and Columbia where cuddling is something not done in public and done indoors amongst partners and immediate family members. 

India

Cuddling in Indian culture is completely influenced by how traditional or modern the values of the person are, and the family dynamic. In a country as vast as diverse as India is, the way one goes about expressing themselves differs immensely. In traditional families, such a display of affection could be restricted, frowned upon, or more reserved, while modern households could be more welcoming to such a display of love and affection. 

Arab countries

Cuddling in Arab countries represents a warmth and emotional connection between two people, but it is entirely shaped by the social norms of the nation as it varies by a big margin in rural and urban areas. One gets to witness limited physical affection in the former while things are more relaxed in the latter be it amongst parents, siblings and cousins or in a romantic relationship. That said, even the most urban of cities in the region gives a lot of important to modesty and respect which is why you’ll hardly see any public display of affection in the outdoors, let alone cuddling. 

Lead image credit: Netflix 

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