One thing I dislike about American culture specifically and probably also similar "Northern European" cultures is the taboo around platonic affection among adults. So many Americans understand platonic physical affection with children and animals, but they simply cannot comprehend it between adults, only viewing cuddling and hand-holding as something for romantic partners. The most platonically affectionate American adults can be towards other adults without being considered an eccentric I'd say is providing "hugs" as a greeting or farewell, and even that is still considered flirtatious in many cases.
The platonic affection taboo and associated massive "touch gap" in adult's lives is probably a big reason why professional cuddling is so successful in the USA with such a big and growing market ❤️❤️❤️❤️! And it's probably also a big reason why furry pets are so popular in the USA since they're one of the only acceptable areas of non-romantic physical affection for childless adults...
Anyway, what are some cultures that are not like American or similar "Northern European" cultures where platonic physical is in fact common and celebrated among adults? I've heard in Arab culture that two men can hold hands as friends when taking a walk, and I am a fan of these "kissing" greetings I've see in France as well? Is anyone familiar with cultures where platonic affection would be more common, and what's it like? Is it awesome like I think it'd be?