SEX & RELATIONSHIPS
Relationship Norms While Travelling WORDS BY MEGAN CROSSMAN IMAGE BY TILLY ROBERTS In the UK, we’re used to relatively relaxed dating norms and
While in the UK you’re probably used to either one person paying
rules. We’ve all seen one too many times a couple getting off a
or splitting the bill with ease, some countries have more defined
bit too graphically on the Jesters or Oceana dancefloor, but for
views. If you’re dating in the Netherlands you should expect to
some countries, this is severely frowned upon. In some countries
split the bill with your partner. Meanwhile, in Korea, only one
even hand holding isn’t acceptable and could even get you in the
person should pay. There aren’t any gender expectations to this
trouble with the law. Here’s what you should be aware of when in
as both men and woman are allowed to pay the bill without
a relationship or starting to date while abroad.
judgement. In Mexico and Russia, it is expected that the man will pay for the meal.
Handholding Sex There are widely different rules and expectations for hand holding depending on the country. In Morocco, same sex hand holding is
The UK is renowned for its hook-up culture, and no doubt some
accepted and considered a sign of friendship. Opposite sex hand
of those couples you saw kissing on the Jesters dancefloor last
holding is not. In Korea you can hold hands, but nothing more.
night will have been heading back for a one-night stand. Some
Only if you’re married can you hold hands in Dubai, otherwise it’s
countries also have a relaxed view to sex, such as Italy. Couples
a punishable offence.
in Italy typically wait until the relationship gets more serious for oral sex but penetrative sex can often happen before the first date.
Public Displays of Affection
However, in Dubai, premarital sex is illegal.
Although you may not appreciate seeing the drunk couples at
While travelling in a relationship or dating while travelling should
1am getting off on every night out, this is largely accepted in the
not be a concern, always make sure that you’re safe when meeting
UK. If you travel to Japan, however, PDA is not very common or
up with new people and look into the cultural norms of where
accepted. In Punjab you won’t even see kissing at a wedding as
you’re visiting. While in some countries you might just get a dirty
PDA is that frowned upon. As long as you’re not at a holy site,
look, you don’t want to risk imprisonment in places like Dubai
PDA is perfectly fine in Israel.
for a hand hold.
In several countries PDA could land you in trouble with the law. In Russia the punishment for PDA is a three-month prison sentence or a fine. While being close with someone of the same sex is fine in Egypt, kissing, like in Russia, is not only frowned upon but a punishable offence. Dubai is infamous for its strict laws on PDA. Even as a married couple, kissing is considered public indecency and can land you with a prison sentence or deportation. Splitting the Bill
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Sex & Relationships
