Last week I asked you what hugs you welcomed, and what hugs you shrug from. While the most agreed-upon hug was no surprise, I didn't see many of the results coming — like group hugs, with 48 percent of you voting yes to, coming in fourth place. Only three hugs placed above it, garnering at least a two-thirds majority to make them nearly universally welcomed hugs. See which ones they are below
I don't know when Americans started hugging so much, but it's become a commonplace way to say hello and goodbye. From friends you see daily to acquaintances you see once a year or less, we've all become huggers. But not everyone enjoys it, even if they hug, as Juliet Laipidos points out in her piece "I Don't Need a Hug." Whether you consider yourself a hugger or not, we all have limitations. Which embraces would you say no to if you could?
I'm a documented anti-hugger in most situations, though a new creation out of Japan may change my mind. Called iFeel_IM!, the prototype consists of a series of connected straps that its inventors believe will add a human-like touch to online conversations.
The machine attaches to a computer and receives signal though a series of sensors. It's capable of replicating several different types of heartbeats, butterflies in your stomach, and tingling down your spine. This isn't the first machine of its kind, though it may be the most advanced and versatile.
According to the creators, they are "looking to create a deep immersive experience, not just a vibration in your shirt triggered by an SMS." I don't know that — even as an anti-hugger — I'd support this. After all, even hug haters can benefit from a little human touch.
Source: Flickr User Jesslee Cuizon
There's no better place to read between the grip than the hug. It's like a gauge of human emotions. Weak, halfhearted hugs are disappointing and can demonstrate obligation or distraction, but it's the hug that goes from friendly to let's get a room that I'm interested in. Since it's National Hug Day, learn how to discern the we're-just-friends hug from the something-more — and more — hug.
Friendly Hug: These hugs may be longer than a hello hug between girlfriends, but the we're-just-friends variety works like this: Your arms go below his shoulders while his go around yours. His hands may wander if you stay long enough, but really shouldn't go beyond your midback or upper arms. There may be a quick peck on the cheek, which you can analyze based on previous hugs or if he kisses other girls. A longer hug when one of you is comforting the other rarely means anything beyond friendship, but can!
Something-More Hug: If the friendly hug gets friendlier then something more may be behind it. When chests touch while both people hug each other's shoulders, it's considered a heart-to-heart hug. It's definitely a sign that there's more where that came from. The placement of hands is also key. If hands wander longer and farther than normal then it's probably not your imagination — but his!
Make-No-Mistake-About-It Hug: Whether you're in a relationship or not, if there is lower-body contact then you two are either having sex or will be very soon. When a guy hugs you from behind (hopefully you know him . . . well!) then he can't wait to be alone with you. Longer and tighter hugs signal intense feelings, and they demonstrate commitment when done in public.
Kids have replaced the handshake with a hug in many situations. The world has become a more modern and casual place, and some children wrap their arms around each other instead of saying a simple "hi" or "goodbye." From the park to playdates and the schoolyard to the sandbox, children exchange an embrace as a sign of affection or friendship. Has your tot bought into the trend?
Today's National Cuddle Up Day, which is cute and all, but what's so great cuddles and hugs? Of course, they feel nice, but are they actually good for you? They are! See if you know why.
Source: Flickr User kalandrakas
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Front hugs, bad. Side hugs, good. That's the simple message of the Christian hip-hop song "Christian Side Hug." Have a look and I guarantee you will find yourself bumping and grinding nodding your head to the beat. Don't forget to leave room for the Holy Spirit!
With so much bad news coming from high schools (teen violence, low test scores, the list goes on), you’d think that the ubiquity of hugging would be a welcome sign that all is well with American teenagers. Think again!
Some school administrators are wary of this hug-happy generation. “Touching and physical contact is very dangerous territory,” says Noreen Hajinlian, the principal of a junior high school in Hillsdale, NJ, who banned hugging two years ago. “It was needless hugging — they are in the hallways before they go to class. It wasn’t a greeting. It was happening all day.” It sounds like a bad joke, but Hajinlian isn’t the only one who’s banned hugging. Schools across the country, wary of lawsuits, have risked seeming like scrooges and banned what some call the "hello" of the younger generation.
Hmmm. How bad could teen affection be? (Remember the Hugs Not Drugs mantra?) Even boys are in on nonromantic hugging. In an era where teens are living online and socializing via texting and social networking on Facebook and MySpace, real world touchy-feelyness seems like a good way to balance out virtual communication, if you ask me. What do you think?
