A behavior question

[ritaxis]

If you're reading a story set in another place and time, and soldier friends are holding hands, what do you think is going on?

How much preparation do you need to believe that this is normal behavior for close, platonic friends, in this particular place and time?

Comments

[houseboatonstyx.livejournal.com]

Well, it would help if it's first shown in a situation where someone in authority is looking on approvingly -- a military officer, a chaplain, the wife or girl friend of one of the soldiers....