What's your stand on hugging?

[caty]

I was on another forum and there was a discussion regarding hugging. I was surprised at how many people don't like hugging or even to be touched by other people.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=585377

Me? I'm a hugger!:hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

1. lisa is the best hugger ever.

[MissMillie]

2. I enjoy a good hug from time to time

but not casual hugs. I prefer to know that the person I'm hugging is truly a friend.

[BarenakedLady]

3. I'm a hugger

Luckily I have three very very cuddly children. :) :hug:

But my hugginess doesn't really extend to acquaintences.

[billyskank]

23. Hugs

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

26. Yay!

:hug:

[AllegroRondo]

4. relatives - yes. non-relatives - no

unless they are VERY well known to me, I dont do it.

[lost-in-nj]

5. I love hugs

I feel safe in them

I like this video to.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

lost

[Zavulon]

6. Not me.

I don't know when we became a society of huggers, but I take the Frasier Crane stance on this. Unless you gave birth to me or are sleeping with me now, a handshake is enough.

[pitohui]

29. hey that's a good one, the frasier crane stance

that sounds good to me!

[skygazer]

7. I don't particularly like hugging

I love to be hugged by my SO and my kids. I can live without being hugged by any other family members and I don't like being hugged by friends and especially mere acquaintances or total strangers.

I'm just a more reserved person. Where I come from, you show your affection more by your actions than by physical or verbal expression. Not saying that's better or worse, it just is.

When I go home for a visit, people who haven't seen me in years greet me with a nod and a, "How you been?" For me, that's a lovely, warm greeting. :shrug:

[Gormy Cuss]

12. That nod is the natural New England greeting.

The first time my SO went to Maine with me he was shocked at the nod greeting. Took several trips for him to believe me that it was just the way it was done.

Here in CA it's a virtual hugfest in comparison. I don't mind it anymore. Of course, if a male who is a complete stranger tried to hug me, I'd be somewhat defensive.

[skygazer]

15. I've gotten used to it but it does crack me up

I go to Vermont and my best friend, who I haven't seen in 2 years will smile and nod (the smile is because he's my BEST friend) but out here, someone I just saw yesterday flings her arms around me as if I'd been lost in the Pacific for ten years. :eyes:

[Gormy Cuss]

24. "lost in the Pacific for ten years.."

So true!
:rofl:

[petronius]

8. Mom and wife only - everyone else better keep their hands to themselves...

[Inchworm]

9. Hugs and rubs and touches all the way

well, not while I'm running a chainsaw or building a birdhouse. I like the hugs, even if they come from stinky dogs.

:hug:

:hi:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

10. Only from pretty women and grieving people.

:P

[matcom]

11. love them

friends too.

i'd totally get into that free hugs campaign

[bleedingheart]

13. Coming from a family of eastern europeans...I am a hugger and a kisser

my husband...not so much.

he dislikes being hugged by anyone but me or the kids.

he is a fuss-budget..

my son (an aspie) doesn't do the hug stuff either...but my daughter...she is a total cuddle and hug hog...

[Midlodemocrat]

14. I'm a hugger.

Especially my kids. Hug and kiss them all the time. Couldn't stand not to.

[cwydro]

16. My family is British

and I'm not much of a hugger except for those close to me. But my mom and sis are huggers.

[supernova]

17. Don't get nearly enough hugs

I really enjoy hugs from family and friends. And I enjoy giving them too. :-)

Having said that. I'm very shy and being hugged by very gregarious strangers (first meeting) is disconcerting for me.

[AlCzervik]

18. i hug my daughter, husband, Nieces and Nana, aside from them--no hugging.

3 foot bubble. My family was not demonstrative at all.

[unpossibles]

19. I am a hugger

but pretty much the only guy in my family who is. I often forget - or choose to not care - and hug my uncle or dad and they get all uncomfortable. oops. My brother is not a hugger, but doesn't let it bother him if I do hug him.

[fizzgig]

20. i'm a hugger

i come from a very demonstrative family and my friends are all very demonstrative. hugs, kisses and i love you all around.

if i don't know the person very well, i will let them initiate the hug, should they choose. with some people it's the 'side-by-side with one arm' hug

i loves me some hugs

[kwassa]

21. I have no memory of my parents hugging me as a child ...

took me a long time to realize touching another human being was considered a normal activity.

So, I hug now, for mental health and happiness.

[rug]

22. If I need a hug, I go to GD.

[Kali]

61. ...

:spray:

[geardaddy]

25. I enjoy hugging, but only when I'm drunk.

;)

[Critters2]

27. I'm a big hugger!! nt

[pitohui]

28. i hate hugging, it's a cover for creepy old men way too often

i don't see why someone should be allowed to hug me that i haven't known for many, many, many years unless i've just had sex w. them or something

[ThomCat]

37. I can see that.

As a matter of fact, I have seen that.

I'm sorry that you have to put up with that. :(

[Javaman]

30. Not a big hugger. I hug people whom I've known for years...

I dated a woman that hugged everyone. It drove her nuts that I wouldn't hug a friend of her's that I was just introduced to.

I just don't get it.

People have to be worthy of my hug. lol

[CaliforniaPeggy]

31. I am a hugger, my dear caty!

Whenever I meet DU'ers for the first time, after having corresponded with them here......

I hug them, without exception!

That's just the way I'm wired...:hug: :pals:

[av8rdave]

32. Best done while standing...that's my stand.

[SteppingRazor]

33. I think this varies depending on geography...

here in South Florida, hugging and cheek-kissing between guys and girls who are friends is pretty much the norm. But a few years back when I lived in the Midwest, a hug was still somewhat common, but the cheek-kissing was unheard of.

[bamacrat]

34. Relatives and close friends..

But only if its been a while since Ive seen them, all other times I like a good hand shake. Its a lost art.

[PeaceNikki]

35. If this doesn\'t make you warm n fuzzy... you\'re Cheney\'s spawn

HISTORY
Letter from the Founder

On May 19, 2001, the love of my life and my best friend finished her course here on Earth - my mother, Josephine Hunter. A day that began in sheer sadness ended in great joy because I realized that my mother had done exactly what God had required of her. She simply let everyone she came in contact with know that they matter. She was truly a friend to everyone, regardless of age, race, or gender.

What an amazing world it would be if we were known as people who have a smile and a kind word for everyone. No matter what our jobs are, perhaps the most important work we can do is to help and encourage others, especially by our actions. With constant threats targeted towards our morale and human spirit, kind and encouraging actions are needed to get us through our everyday situations, no matter how big or small they may be.

FREE HUGS will be the company that will always promote our two most sought after possessions, happiness and our sense of belonging. FREE HUGS will always consist of excellence in the development of leaders, action in the community, and service to customers.

So thank you for supporting FREE HUGS and always remember, we all need one.

http://www.free-hugs.com/index.shtml

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

[ThomCat]

36. I'm a hugger.

I'll hug anyone I know who doesn't mind getting a hug. :hug:

[pagerbear]

40. I'll take one of those!

[ThomCat]

43. Hi, Pagerbear!

Anytime. :hug:

I don't see you post very often, but I'm always happy when I do. How are you doing?

[pagerbear]

56. Things are good.

Haven't been on DU in ages. Think there's a connection? ;-)

[ThomCat]

65. There is often a connection.

:)

DU can definitely get stressful. I'm glad you came back.

[datasuspect]

38. only if they are creepy hugs

like the kind you get in aa

[Book Lover]

39. My family, yes. My close friends, yes. Anyone else gets a frank and puzzled stare.

I saw Bill Clinton demonstrate this great handshake-with-one-hand--below-the-elbow-grip-with-the-other thing in an interview show some time ago that I've adopted to stop anyone else from getting too close. It maintains respect for them, and keeps me happy.

[Parche]

41. ONLY FROM...........

:rofl: :bounce: :hug: :hi:

[hfojvt]

42. it depends

are we talking about trees :o dogs :o or people :scared:

Also depends on how attractive the person you are hugging is. :evilgrin: and/or how close of a friend or relative they are. Hugs from random unattractive strangers :hide: Besides, I have heard that there is NOT a constitutional right to hug.

[NewWaveChick1981]

44. I hug people I know.

:) If I don't know them well, I usually don't touch them without prior notice.

[caty]

45. Of course, we would not

hug someone we just met or someone that we don't consider to be a friend. But, hugging friends:hug: and relatives:hug: is nice for both :hug:involved. :hug:

[InvisibleTouch]

46. Not fond of it.

I don't like other people getting in my space, except under certain pre-arranged conditions (use your imagination). But casual hugs in greeting/farewell really aren't my thing.

[u4ic]

47. I love giving and receiving hugs

:D


I know some people aren't comfortable with them, so I respect that.

[some guy]

57. yay

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

:D

I like to give and receive hugs too. And not even just virtually.

[u4ic]

66. I take it you're one of those

"hands off" people? :P

[greatauntoftriplets]

48. As the greataunt of 6-year-old triplets...

and with the acquisition of three additional greats (aged, 6, 8 and 10) by marriage two weeks ago tomorrow, I get hugged lots by adorable children.

Two of my best friends are huggers.

I partied with a bunch of friends last Saturday night, and got lots of hugs then.

It is all great.

:D

[Left Is Write]

49. George Clooney and Adrian Paul can hug me any time they want to!

:D

[Fox Mulder]

50. I don't care for hugs.

I don't like people touching me. I like my personal space.

[mopinko]

51. bring 'em on.

i love 'em.

[Dervill Crow]

52. I enjoy a good hug, but I don't often initiate them.

I mostly hug my kids and my dog. My family was not huggy and I've learned late in life how wonderful a good hug can be.

[GoneOffShore]

53. I would prefer not to be 'hugged'

Don't mind the French style kiss on the cheek, but the hug thing from acquaintences isn't my fav.

Because of the number of people I see on a daily basis, I prefer not to shake hands if I can avoid it.

[S n o w b a l l]

54. I'm very affectionate...

and hug just about anyone. I come from a family like that and it just comes naturally. After reading this thread though, I'll be more sensitive to the fact people don't always appreciate it.

[dropkickpa]

55. I'm of Irish descent

We don't hug.

[JVS]

58. I find it annoying as all get out. Keep your filthy paws off me, you damned dirty ape!

[S n o w b a l l]

63. I think even huggers are atune to people that are completely unapproachable...

....so I doubt you'd have to worry about it too much.

[LaraMN]

59. I'm a chronic hugger (and kisser).

Although I know better than to assault people I don't know well. I hug most everyone I know fairly well, and I have no qualms about kissing my close female friends on the lips (not a big,long open mouth kiss, obviously, and generally when I haven't seen them in a long time.) I'm extremely affectionate and physical, but I know not everyone is comfortable with that, so I'm conscious of it.

[Generic Brad]

60. Don't touch me!

My personal space bubble extends out 18 inches. Unless we are intimate, you are instructed to stay out of my space bubble.

[Kali]

62. interesting responses

I was raised in a family that was not particularly affectionate and everybody had access to a lot of personal space (kids had their own rooms etc)

I don't mind hugs and even sometimes initiate them with good friends. I have one aquaintence (female) who does the air kiss side to side thing and I have never figured out the rules for that because I don't see her very often. She is a petite blond European woman and I am a big doofy American woman. Anybody know the protocal? Which side are you supposed to start on? I really need some written instructions for this behavior.

[derby378]

64. We, as a species, don't hug enough...

And couples should do more full-contact hugging, as in chest-to-chest, pelvis-to-pelvis, toe-to-toe.

But that's just me.

[Fredda Weinberg]

67. Complicated

Makes derivatives look easy ... the rules are notorious.

Me? I fall somewhere in the continuum and cope well. Can't ask for better.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

68. I only like to be hugged if I like the person doing the hugging.

Simple as that. I don't stand for casual hugging, or having some moron hug me.

[6000eliot]

69. I'm not comfortable being touched by strangers,

but I don't mind hugging people I know well enough. When I first came out, I had to get used to the fact that gay people tend to greet each other with a kiss on the lips.

[doggyboy]

70. Domestic animals only

small critters are for chasing, and large ones for running away from

[Downtown Hound]

71. I don't mind it if I know the person reasonably well

but I don't like it when I've just met someone. I hate it when you go to those self-improvement meetings or something and everyone is always trying to hug you. It's one of the main reason why I don't go to those things anymore. A handshake is for when we first meet, a hug is for someone that I have at least some kind of bond to. It doesn't have to be an incredibly deep bond, but it has to be more than just meeting someone. And anything beyond that is for lover's only.