Is it strange that I don't like hugging someone while I say "good bye" or "hello" or "how are you today"?
Is it weird that I feel uncomfortable hugging some extended family members?
What about casual acquaintances? For example, over the years in my church congregation there have periodically been women who stand at the Sunday school classroom doorway and hug each woman who enters the room. I imagine they're trying to be friendly but frankly I find it so...awkward...and unwanted {on my part}.
I'm not touchy-feely. And I especially HATE feeling like I OWE someone physical contact.
Is it offensive to refuse a hug? Is there a politically correct way to politely and graciously decline? Please share.
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10 comments:
I am the same way! There are very few people that I hug (husband and son).
I totally hear you. I am the same way, although I don't even hand shake. Total germaphobe.
I will try and remember NOt to hug you when I run into ya!!!!
LOL!!! :)
I'm actually kind of a hugger. So I hope I haven't ever hugged you. Lol. You know I'm sitting here trying to think if I ever have. I don't think so. With that being said, I like to hug. But I think I respect others boundaries. It is easy to tell who "hugs" and who dosen't. And I'd never be the sweet RS sister at the door.
Ok, other than my immediate family I am not a hugger, either. But with the stewardship I've been given and as the 'sweet RS sister' at the door I stand in defense of the love that is being extended.
I believe that when we come in contact again with our Savior and Father in Heaven they will embrace us. It is in this spirit that we extend love to our sisters in the gospel with an embrace.
Granted there are those that prefer no contact. A former member of our congregation was a perfect example of this. After I extended a hug to her she simply said "I don't hug" and with love she and her view were accepted. After that she was greeted with a hello or a simple touch to her arm. I can tell you, though, that after a year of our association, when she was leaving for a different congregation, she came and embraced me.
I stand on the ground that although there are women who would rather not, there are many more who need the touch of someone who truly cares about them. I believe in the strength transfer that happens with an honest hug from someone who loves you. I breaks down barriers and connects spirits.
It is a little daunting to extend a physical touch when you know there will be those that don't want it. But this past Sunday reaffirmed the need to try. I stood and listened to a woman I didn't know as she shared bits of her life with me. At the end of our conversation I reached out and embraced her. I let go and she closed her eyes and with tears said "oh, thank you, that felt so good. It has been years since anyone has hugged me and shown me love like that...."
Isn't reaching the "one" worth the awkward moment you must go through if you are hugged before you've had a chance to say "how about a hand shake?"
Thank you! I'm not fond of the hugging trend either, there's just no need to do it. A smile or handshake is plenty polite - just stick out your hand as they're ready to move in. They'll get the hint sooner or later!
Therein lies the problem: I'm such a huggy person. I try to be respectful about it. At least when I'm not petting people....
And what about the unwanted brother in law hug that's too tight and too long that you try to get away from at frequent family gatherings? I don't hug anyone else there on my arrival so why does he single me out?!
These are fantastic photos. The one of McCain and Palin is the best. I would actually like to see McCain's face.
I actually came across your site because I was doing some searches for my own site to see what would come up. It's:
www.uncomfortablehug.com
My site posts sartire articles, sketches, and cartoons, but not really uncomfortable pictures per say, although I'd like to link back to you.
Hi there, I enjoyed reading your post on Awkward hugs. I blog about hugs so I was hoping to use some of your images on my website if that is okay with you?
www.advancedhugging.com
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