Are you a hugger?

[Katzpur]

I will hug family and close friends consistently. With some acquaintances that are male, I give the "man hug". You do this first by shaking hands and while shaking, reach around the back with your left hand and clench your fist and "thud" the back once. You're pretty much right shoulder to right shoulder when doing this.
But I'm not comfortable with people I don't know or barely know coming up and hugging. Of course unless it was a female like Salma Hayek, or Nia Peeples.........then I'm okay with it!

Until about 20 years ago, I was a total non-hugger (except with my parents, husband and kids). I'm 62, so I was still a non-hugger at 40 or so. I am female, and I could not have hugged another female to save my life. I mean it. I would do anything to avoid hugging another woman and was pretty uncomfortable hugging men (except when in a dating relationship, obviously). I learned to be a hugger, because I came to recognize that some people really expected it of me and seemed to need it from me. At first, it was absolute torture, and my awkwardness must have been apparent. Now it's to the point where I can pretty much hug anyone of either sex at the drop of a hat and feel totally comfortable doing so.

 

[Katzpur]

Revoltingest feels awkward....but appreciates the gesture.

Why? I tried SO hard not touch inappropriately.

It doesn't matter. Seriously, I used to be that way. I feel his pain.

 

[Penumbra]

I'm not much of a hugger. My family members criticize my lackluster hugging ability.

There are only a few people I can give really passionate hugs to.

 

[Songbird]

It doesn't matter. Seriously, I used to be that way. I feel his pain.

Aw, no worries! Actually, I wouldn't hug people who don't want it. I'm pretty respectful of boundaries. I still have the urge to touch people's arms or backs at times, but I can refrain.

 

[Valjean]

Does tree-hugging count?

 

[MysticSang'ha]

I don't just hug, I glomp and give my trademark Big Squishy Hug.

 

[ninerbuff]

Does tree-hugging count?

Hmmm, better than a n*t-hugger I guess.

 

[Vinayaka]

No.
Hugging is creepy.

Basically I agree. I will hug family, especially grandchildren, and my children when they were younger. But friends I find creepy too. It invades my personal space and is outside my religious tradition. In SD we mainly just stand back and do the namaste hands together thing. Far more comfortable ... for me. Occasionally though, if I have a good friend who doesn't know my stance and out of respect for them, I will allow them to hug me, but I find it really odd.

 

[Foxfire]

I'm with MysticSang'ha on this one.

Awesome video. For those who are not so much the huggers, not so much. But for the huggers out there, enjoy!

[youtube]hN8CKwdosjE[/youtube]
YouTube - Free Hugs in Sondrio, Italy

 

[ninerbuff]

The one thing that I do notice when people are about to hug is the SMILE.

 

[Revoltingest]

The one thing that I do notice when people are about to hug is the SMILE.

Yeah, I dread that too.

 

[Penumbra]

The one thing that I do notice when people are about to hug is the SMILE.

You won't notice it if they do sneak attack hugs!

I'm not much of a hugger, but those are my favorites.

 

[AfterGlow]

I like huggers, they're usually really friendly and nice, plus if they hug you it means they think enough of you to let you into their personal space.

I'm a semi-hugger, only family and good friends otherwise I'm a handshaker.

 

[Vendetta]

I am not a hugger

 

[Panda]

I'll hug people. It's kinda normal among my group of friends. Then there is also the "manly" sort of half hug half handshake thing.

Ironically though I don't like people touching me. I hate people who have a constant need to touch or sit too close etc.

 

[Falvlun]

I don't mind if I'm initiating the hug, but I don't like it when people go in for one on their own accord. I mean, can't we discuss this first?

 

[Yes Man]

I like hugs, and I hug friends and family somewhat freely. I'm wary of hugging acquaintances though, because I know some people feel weird about and have person bubbles, etc. Last thing I'd want to do is make people uncomforable. I don't recall ever hugging a stranger though, and I don't think I would. Maybe if they're feeling down or something but I doubt it.

In summary: Hug friends and family, freely receive hugs from anyone.

I don't mind if I'm initiating the hug, but I don't like it when people go in for one on their own accord. I mean, can't we discuss this first?

Ha ha! That makes it sound so diplomatic.

Person 1: Excuse me, sir, might I negotiate a hug in your schedule?

Person 2: Well, my shedule is a bit crowded but I suppose I can work you in.

Person 1: Jolly good!

 

[Twilight Hue]

I like huggers, they're usually really friendly and nice, plus if they hug you it means they think enough of you to let you into their personal space.

I'm a semi-hugger, only family and good friends otherwise I'm a handshaker.

Bout the same view here. :O)

Only exception is spontaneous hugs from strangers who may be felt compelled to do so as a result social pressures like some of my experiences found in churches. If someone wants to hug, let it be genuine and freely given. Otherwise a handshake will suffice just fine.

 

[blackout]

I used to be.

Not any more.

My kids yes, of course,
sure, my brother and my dad.
Occasionally a friend,
if there is a reason.

 

[Flipper]

I'm an intermittent hugger. Some people I hug, for instance "close" friends, though not all. I hug my wife, one or two female friends and one male friend. I don't hug any of my family. The main reason is I don't know when a hug is expected of me. I hug people that have hugged me first and "learn" that they is the way that they expect me to act. Basically, because I have AS things like this are as confusing as hell for me so I just have learned to follow the lead of the other party. Even then I don't always realsie when some else is preparing for a hug.