I’ll admit, I’m a hugger. I love hugging others and being hugged. It’s warm and comforting until you come across a non-hugger. Then it’s stiff and awkward. I guess not everyone has to like hugging but shouldn’t hugging be in the same category as hand-shakes? So much is read into a hand-shake. It determines your sincerity, your stance, your professionalism, your integrity. When you shake someone’s hand and it’s like grasping a dead fish, doesn’t it turn you off? It does me. I almost want to wipe my hand off on my shirt. It’s the same with a hug. When you get that lean in that doesn’t actually touch you and then a tap on the back, I feel almost embarrassed. On the flip side, it seems invasive when those that aren’t ok with hugging grab you with some force and practically slam your body into theirs with a pound on the back and then a push away. It’s almost violent and notably uncomfortable for both.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a loved one and embracing, however. It’s familiar, sometimes intimate, and overall welcoming. It allows me to share myself with those I love, those I connect with and those I feel for.