Hugs

What's in a hug?

To hug or not to hug? You know what I'm talking about. Those often-times awkward moments in which you aren't sure if you should just wave or if you should reach your arms out and embrace the person. If you do decide to go in for the hug...which position do you choose? The "side hug" the "above the shoulder" the "belly embrace" the "cheek kiss/European approach" the "one arm above and one arm below" the "hug and rub" or the "hug and pat?" Once you figure out where to place the arms, how close do you get? How long do you stay there for? So many combinations and so much to think about in a split second!

I've always found the degree to which a person chooses to commit to the hug very interesting. As judgmental as it is, I admit that I evaluate a relationship based on the hug. The next time you embrace a loved one or a dear friend, throw out everything on your mind and just be in that moment. Feel the hug. Feel the other person's energy. Feel your face. Are you smiling? Most likely, you are. Seconds before the embrace, you are not thinking about where to place your hands or how hard you should grab the other person. It comes naturally. All hugs are not like that. You do not have the same relationship with every person you come in contact with or know. Have you ever hugged someone and felt as though you were embracing them slightly tighter than they were embracing you? You can say that they just don't "give good hugs." Or, perhaps it's because you differ in your evaluation of the relationship.

In spite of this, I think there are three kinds of people: "huggers," "in-betweens" and "non-huggers." The "huggers" usually hug after the first meeting. Sometimes even when they first meet a person. The "in-betweens" judge the situation and will hug the "huggers" back but don't initiate a hug with "non-huggers." The "non-huggers" aren't huge fan of hugs. They don't initiate a hug and react stiffly when a hug is sprung on them. These labels come into effect more often in new encounters or in relationships that aren't necessarily intimate. What kind of "hugger" are you? Why?

"Free Hugs"

I came across a YouTube video tonight titled "Free Hugs." A man stands on a busy pedestrian walkway with a sign that says "free hugs" and the video shows people's reactions. Some react favorably and some don't. It dawned on me while watching it that if I saw a guy on the street with a sign like that, I'd probably think he was weird and continue on my way. I wouldn't give the situation a second thought. However, if I were to sit and watch the guy and observe his varied responses, I'm sure I'd go up to him and give him a hug. This saddens me. It's another example of being caught up in my own world. Of course, who knows how I'd truly react if I were one of the pedestrians. I really hope I'm wrong about myself in this situation. I want to be wrong. Check out the link. Watch the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4