When I was young, I never recall many men hugging each other or hugging women they weren’t married to. I did see mothers hug children and dads too but not all dads. As a child I had to hug my older cousins, aunts and uncles  and grandparents. Nowadays I see young children having a choice if they want to hug grandparents and other relatives.

In my observation, hugging in public seems more common now.

Hugging can be comforting if you know the person and like them. I like hugs but not the excessive patting hug where the person pats you like a pet.

Is it normal to feel uncomfortable when someone hugs you? If you find yourself squirming at the thought of hugs, know this – you are not alone. Your discomfort does not make you cold or unlovable. It may mean like me you want a choice over who hugs you. There are many reasons people do not want unsolicited hugs but today there seems to be pressure on non huggers.

Classic hug. This is a warm, intimate hug between friends and family. The classic hug is one of the most common hugs, where you and the hugger wrap your arms around each other.

A sideways hug is a casual, less personal hug. When you are greeting an acquaintance, they might quickly drape an arm around your shoulders. There is minimal touching in this hug, as only the sides of your bodies meet, which signifies that it is more polite and friendly.

Here is a list of types of huggers, which are you?

Enthusiastic
Touchy hugger
Patting hugger
Quick release hugger
Reluctant hugger
Selective hugger

... and any other type you are or have observed and may like to share with us.

Who Is hugging you, how do they hug, did they ask first, do they make you feel comforted or awkward? Do you want to be able to have a say in who you hug and who hugs you? Do you like unsolicited hugs?

Leah

A Moodscope member