I think you can break most of us down into one of two groups. Huggers and non-huggers. I’ve noticed a hugging trend lately. It seems like everyone hugs. On Sundays at church I would say I hug several hundred people. And I’m cool with that.
To be honest I haven’t always been a hugger, but I think it’s growing on me.
The other day I was in Blockbuster when a lady came up to me and said “Hey”. I didn’t recognize her, but I assumed she probably went 
to our church so I immediately gave her a little side hug and said “Hey….how are you?” Looking a little confused she said “I’m fine. I was just wondering if you had ever seen Pride and Glory.” Oops.
Why a trend toward hugging? A recent article in Time said..
Why have we caught the hug bug? Mental-health professionals cite everything from increasing population density to community spirit among millennials. Some theories point to 9/11 bringing the country together and to The Sopranos showing that tough guys can hug too.
The article even included a hug guide which I adapted for our educational purposes here at Without Wax.
THE FULL FRONTAL – Total body contact, heart-to-heart embrace and firm squeeze. For parents, children and really good friends. (Not appropriate for strangers in Blockbuster)
THE REAR END-OUT HUG – Nothing touches below the shoulders. Reserved for the office, bad dates and most people at church.
THE MAN HUG - Shake with right hand (first) and hug with left. If you’re uncomfortable at all two slaps on the back makes everything cool.
So, how about you? Are you a hugger or not?
I come from a long line of huggers.
I hug men differently just so I’m not misunderstood, but I’m always huggin’.
Cyber hugs are good too.
((HUG))
I used to not be a hugger…but I have adapted and really like it. Although I hate hugging someone who isn’t a hugger and they are stiff as a board and it is just really awkward (not as awkward as you in Blockbuster though…made me laugh)
Thanks Pete, I needed a laugh this morning. I would have liked to see that lady’s face in Blockbuster. Side hugs all around!
def. a hugger. that’s a funny story!
Awesome. It’s true as a generational trademark. My grandparent’s always did the cheek kiss. Now we hug. Lucky for Blockbuster Lady.
HA.
Not a fan of hugs unless I really know the person well. It’s a germ thing. I’m not a fan of handshakes either. I think my kids with autism are rubbing off on me! I’m one of those people that won’t come to the 10:30 service because I don’t like when I am crowded in a pew and people’s arms are touching me!
Not a hugger. German heritage here, lol. But I married into a family of huggers, and I’m not sure I’ve gotten used to it yet. (I’ve been married for 25 years!)
There is nothing better than a good hug and nothing worse than an awkward one. I guess all that to say that I am a little selective about my hugging.
I try to make it clear that a man hug is coming. Hold the hand pointed up and in front of you…the person you are man hugging will grasp your upright hand and then you both pull each other in and give 1 pat on the back (this is important- anything more than 1 becomes weird!) You then pull away and let your hand slide and grasp finger tips and then both of you snap.
Reading what I just wrote sounds ridiculous but it is the truth.
DubHow’s last blog post..My man crush
I am a toucher…usually reach up and pat a shoulder type of person. Our new church, everyone hugs…EVERYONE!!!! But, I still have this fear of men thing going on and it does get awkward…I would have slapped you in Blockbuster!
bluegoose’s last blog post..BYKOTA & a Sean update!
Oh man, I almost spit my coffee out on my laptop reading this…..I have a visual of you in Blockbuster hugging some woman who must have thought you were creepy. Oh wow! Sorry ’bout that.
Population density? Really? That’s a funny theory.
I’m a hugger! Full frontal usually…. i’m just sayin…
Melissa Irwin’s last blog post..Asher Knows Right Where God Is
Definitely a hugger… My family is Italian… we usually do the kiss on the cheek thing, too… but I spare most people that, and just go with the hug!
Not a hugger, unless I know the person really well. That pretty much limits it to my parents and husband. UNLESS they are a kiddo……kiddos get mucho hugs from me. Nothing better than hugging a child!
Ladybird’s last blog post..Month Five
I really enjoyed learning the ins and outs of hugging, thanks! I have found it interesting that and too have noticed that hugging has become quite norm.
I was not really a hugger until I married my husband 10+ years ago. He is a HUGE, strong hugger. Its actually one personality trait I really like about him. Being a pastor too though, a side hug is the most often given by him. So after many years, I too have become a hugger and really enjoy that first embrace. I thinks it can speak volumes but in a touch, feeling way.
BTW… the lady in blockbuster story was hilarious.
Kara Prater’s last blog post..My Tag Team Partner
I’m blaming it all on my socially awkward gene…I’m not touchy feely, and not really a hugger. I’m open to hugging, but even when I’m aware that it’s appropriate for a given situation, will probably opt to not initiate. That being said, I’ll probably not run screaming if someone tries to hug me in an appropriate manner…no full frontals except from my husband or two year old, please. And I’m often relieved when someone takes the first step and itiates for me. Though, if in the right mood, I’ll stick my hand out for a nice, polite handshake, sending the vibes that today’s just not a hug day. I don’t intend to be a walking contradiction.
tracie’s last blog post..Even in Exodus
I am SO a hugger – mostly man-hugs. Sometimes I get the vibe I should just shake hands but still go for it! I actually used to teach a workshop on nonverbal communication at my last job and it included eight different hugs. I referred to full-frontal as “second base”…
BTW… LOVE the new blog design… I’m stealing this!
Chris Chowdhury’s last blog post..Projects I’m working on (current interests)…
I heart hugging. However there is one additional type of hug. In our fellowship of churches, the men will hug other women by leaning toward them and acting like their arms are going around them but there is no actual body contact except for their hands lightly patting the shoulders. I call it a phantom hug. Did it really happen???
I’m a fan of the hug. However, I do employ all three of those hug forms. I particularly like the double pat. It makes it a less formal hug!
I follow the Ari Gold philosophy, “Let’s hug it out…”
For those who follow Entourage, I have cleaned it up…to avoid the censorship police!!
oh gosh, i am a hugger. big time hugs. i probably oversell them but i love it. i have definitely had my fare share of awkward hugs–sometimes face goes in the same direction– that kind; but you just have to shake it off and keep hugging. it is important to assess the situation though before a hug…i realize that! there aren’t many better feelings though than when a known non-hugger initiates the hug – so pay attention
hilarious post pete.
@DubHow, Love it man. I’m going to start implementing your procedure.
HA HA I am laughing so loud in my office. Hilarious! DEFINITELY a hugger!
And so glad my comment page is working again!
Megan’s last blog post..Sushi Night!!
So not a hugger. If I give you a hug, you should feel very special. I don’t like to cuddle either. We have a couch and a love seat just for this reason. I do however, cuddle and hug my children a lot. But – really, that’s my offspring so it’s a given.
As a non-hugger, if I would have been the lady at blockbuster, I would thought about punching you. Just bein’ honest. I probably WOULDN’T have, just depends.
Definitley a hugger…It’s rubbing off on my kids too. I love to give hugs and make everyone feel happy and welcome! My husband, not so much, but he’ll certainly shake your hand, even if he doesn’t know you! And if your his best friend, he still won’t hug you! I’m not sure about him….
No! I am not a hugger. I love to hand shake and i am not a fan of hugging…unless i hug first. i love my personal space and hugging gets in there. I know, weird….but i would rather shake your hand until i know you very well, and then i still wince if you hug me.
Lynse Leanne’s last blog post..my communication preference
All right! A guide for hugging. I’ve typicaly had an aversion to hugging anyone outside of my kids, family, and significant others, but I’ve had to learn to adapt ’cause EVERYBODY wants to hug these days!
I think I’ve been doing it right for the most part, though, although I can think of a few times that I went with the full frontal when it was not the right situation to do so… accidentally, mind you. Awkward afterwards. Yeah, oops!
For the ‘Mad About You’ lovers… this reminded me of those who need a “Firm Embrace, Fiirm Embrace!”
Well, I have not always been a hugging person. I like my personal space but I have learned that there are many poeple out there that are the hugging touchy type, so I have learned to deal with it. Being a teacher I have learned the different typed of hugs and 9 times out of 10 it is the side arm kinda hug but at times I feel like this may be the only affection these students may get. Any type of contact for my students is reassurance and I do feel they need that; a hand shake, pat on the shoulder or back, it is telling them that I recognize them at that moment. As for my students at church, wow most of them are very huggy people and over the years I have learned to receive and the give a hug back in return, but I did have to get use to it. I love my students both at church and at work.
Oh, I didn’t use to be a a hugger. The church where I grew up didn’t really do that sort of thing, but then I moved to our church here in Alaska and I’ve gotten used to it. Now, I find myself on your side trying to feel people out if they want a hug or not. Lots of fun!
jasonS’s last blog post..Light Friday: 1/16/09 edition
most definately a hugger, but I am respectful about it. I ask first.
Heidi’s last blog post..Supernatural
i confuse by communicaton dff culture
Nope – not a hugger. I struggle with this – as I really want to be a hugger. I can’t even really say that I am a hugger at home. Love my husband and kids to pieces, but I am not really a physical person. We often joke that the family is popping the “mommy bubble” of space.
You know what really gets me…the wimpy hand shake. Think I would even take a hug over the wimpy hand shake.
Good topic to explore.
~kate
Katy’s last blog post..Wall Color is done – accents and decor to go
Definitely a hugger. Embrasio rocks! Of course, it can defintely get a little weird for some guys, but they’ll get over it. The key is the initial quick read – If they seem uncomfortable when you start you go with the “A-Frame” single pat (a nice combo of the “rear end/man hug”. If they seem OK then you can go for the full frontal or even the bear hug.
Jeff Honnold’s last blog post..It’s time to answer the call
I am NOT a hugger at all…everyone that knows me knows this. I tend to do the stiff armed rear end out hug. Except I love hugging my baby boy.
totally ambivalent…want to and afraid to all at the same time.
Totally a hugger. It’s the Sicilian in me. Yup, totally a hugger!
The Gang’s Momma’s last blog post..Winter Vacation Interrupted
Man hugging is A-ok in my book but the grip on the handshake isn’t what is depicted in that picture.
Chris Sullivan’s last blog post..Failure
I have not been a hugger (outside of family, of course) but since my husband has gone on staff at our church, I have been hugged A LOT. I do think it helps create closer relationships. Our college church had a policy of only side hugs between the college students. It hadn’t occurred to me before that, but I do think it kept us aware of things that may look inappropriate. There are times though when I have noticed only a good hug will do: like funerals, birth of babies.
No man hugs to women you haven’t been to a family reunion with.
women hugs only if we are true friends – which means we have been honest with each other and have at some time, fought like cats and dogs.
all other hugs – please, keep to yourself.
Thank you…
I’m a hugger! I’m Southern, don’t most southern people hug? Now that you mention it though it’s a little strange for me to be a hugger ’cause I have a pretty high level of personal space. Somehow hugging is different.
But I don’t fret if someone doesn’t hug back I just make a mental note and next time rub their arm…is arm rubbing okay I wonder!?
Robin Rane’ ~’s last blog post..Guest Post!
@Robin Rane, Although we’ve never met I just knew you would be a hugger!
I was drinking a cherry Coca Cola Zero while I read this and I almost shot it through my nose. That is amazing and sounds like something that would happen to me!
I was at church a few weeks ago and someone who attends the church that I have met only on facebook came up to me (a lady). I gave her a big man hug. Walked away feeling awkward. Still pinching myself. I lay awake at night wondering why I did that sometimes!
My pastor hugged me once. It’s a small church and we’re good friends, but I don’t think either of us are natural huggers. It was weird. I would probably die for the man…just don’t ask me to hug him.
My pastor’s wife and my husband are both huggers. They hug occasionally and it is not weird. Go figure. My husband is also known for his signature “pat on the back” at church. The perfect gesture of care without the risk of rejection….
Beth’s last blog post..Sick Leave
Love the Blockbuster Hug experience!
I’m a reluctant hugger but my husband’s hugginess is slowing rubbing off on me. I think he usually does the man hug, pat on the back version. I usually do the “uh oh.. they’re walking towards me, smiling and opening their arms… looks like I’ve got to hug them” version.
A few years ago, I was so scared of physical touch that I’d avoid even hugging my parents unless forced to. I thought that handshakes saved any awkwardness or rejection for both parties, and then one day an old Young Life leader faked going in for a handshake and put his arms around me. I fought it and he just said “This fear, it’s not your fault.” and didn’t let go. I can’t explain the feeling of years spent building barriers being broken in 30 seconds, but it was a great feeling.
Now, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable it makes me feel internally, I hug anyway, knowing it might make someone else feel just as loved.
i’m a hugger. just ask Tony Morgan. LOL!
seriously…nothing better than a good old hug.
jane’s last blog post..valentines day….
Dude,
Finally a topic worth commenting on!!! I love to hug!! People need human touch and if you are not creepy (and most know who they are!!), it is an awesome thing to reach out to folks and hug in good times and bad. It may be the politician in me, but I love hugging people and kissing every sweet, adorable baby that I can (in my book, all babies are beautiful!!). Pete, I will be giving you a hug later today, so be prepared!! Love you man.
@Ryan Bult, We’ve been waiting for you here at Without Wax. I knew you would jump on this one! You have perfected the art of the hug!
I’m a hugger, but not to trangers at Blockbuster! For me, it comes from being a preschool teacher and a nurse. I like contact and I think it can often say what words cannot.
Jamie’s last blog post..Our Day
No apologies. YOU WILL ALWAYS GET FULL FRONTAL HUGS FROM ME. I love to hug people, but if I cross your personal space line, I have one heck of a handshake! lol!
That Blockbuster moment must have been awesome.
BTW, Shelley and I are heading to Nashville soon.. perhaps you and I can give out free hugs at Blockbuster. I’ll bring the video camera.
She’s giving me the eye roll already.. so maybe we just come to Cross Point and say hi.
Christopher’s last blog post..Happy Valentiniversary
I laughed so hard at your Blockbuster hug just a little awkward… but oooh sooo funny!
I am definitely a hugger with friends and acquantences, but I need at least one prior meeting before giving up my hugs to newbies…
Kristy’s last blog post..The Annual Daytona 500 Extravaganza
I am a hugger and it’s gotten me in trouble. I most recently became famous amongst my co-workers for mistaking a pat on the shoulder (from a very high up person) for a hug. I went in for the full on hug while the receiver stiffened up and might just well have yelled “what are you doing”?!!! I was so embarressed I mumbled something about a shirt and hurried off.
Anybody else notice a regional bias towards the hug? It was one of the first things I noticed when I moved to the South. All part of that southern hospitality thing maybe. Like perfect strangers engaging you in conversation in line at the store, etc.
Aaron’s last blog post..Knowing God
Hugging is a handshake for people I relate to, but definitely not a first-time greeting, lol. I am Italian, so my whole family hugs more than shaking hands. But you do have to be a part of the mob….from then on, it’s all love all the time!
Gabe Taviano’s last blog post..How obvious is your diversity?
OH my gosh no. I hate being touched and while i have learned to tolerate it, beyond my kids it is very very hard for me. My poor husband is though and I try to remind myself to hug him occasionally. LOL All of my insides are going EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK thinking about it. During the times we have meet and greet at church I go to the restroom.
Dude! I think I do the handshake-hug (like pictured)! Ha!
I did want to add that it is something I am working on and I am LOL at the comments from those about hugging a non hugger and how stiff and awkward we are. It is true, but I try reallllllllly hard not to let it show that much.
Yep…I’m a hugger!
Alison’s last blog post..6 years ago today…
I heart hugs. Totally.
My cousin Peter educated me about the man hug … according to him, three sturdy pounds on the back of the other man you’re hugging stand for “I’m. Not. Gay.”
Becky’s last blog post..Luke was a farmer?!
Definitely a hugger! Mom’s hugs were as lifeless as hugging a tree; dad was not huggable. So, as an adult, I hug early and often
I don’t mind hugging, although hugging the opposite sex is a little uncomfortable for me unless it’s a family member.
BTW- love the blockbuster story! Too funny!
That Blockbuster moment is too classic!
TOTAL HUGGER HERE. All of my poor in-laws had to take some time to get acclimated to our family. They still laugh about having to get used to the fact that whenever someone walks into our house EVERYONE (mom/dad, all six kids, spouses, whoever) gets up, greets said person at the door and gives them a hug.
If you walked into my parents house the first thing you’d hear are loud “Welcome”s from my parents, who would each hug you and then my dad would put his arm around your shoulders and ask what he can get you to drink.
Yeah, we’re definitely huggers.
gitz’s last blog post..Hopelessly Devoted…
Hugger!
i’m definitely a hugger… but a respectable one!!
@robinrane… i knew you’d be a hugger, and a good one too. can’t wait to meet you in person!
brandiandboys’s last blog post..My Dose of Perspective
Aaron about the regional thing, yeah I think it is for the most part. I grew up in Michigan and Arizona, and visit my sis in Denver a lot, and hugging and talking to strangers in line at stores seems to be a foreign concept to them. Poor souls! I first got introduced to the hugging thing through my ex-wife’s family here in Nashville. A little freaky at first, but I got used to it and like it to a degree now. definitely something to be said about the human touch. We all need it and it’s good for us, like it or not. Can’t imagine NOT wanting or giving hugs from and to your close loved ones or not being able to be affectionate towards them. I totally do not understand that concept, although I’m not condemning it.
I can relate to the 3 good pounds on the back homophobic between guys thing! Eeeek! A scary thing for some of us and I make sure I always do some pounding. LOL!
Really not a hugger. I come from a long line of non-huggers. I have people in my church who are trying to change me, but they just don’t understand the rules of “man space”. Like leaving an open chair between when you go to a movie with a dude. The worst is when you initiate the appropriate handshake and it is ignored for a hug. Not cool at all.
@brandiandboys, your hugs are my favorite!
I didn’t used to be but as I get older I am more and more of a hugger. i am more emotional as I get older and feel things more deeply…good or bad….hence my increase in hugging.
Hugs to all!!!!!
i am a big time hugger. my family always counts how many times i get hugged when we go to any kind of event.
what can i say? i likes to do the hugs…
Tommy Hall’s last blog post..force of habit
Definitely a hugger! That’s one of the things I really learned about while being paralyzed from the neck down – the importance of touch. When I was completely healed by the Great Physician alone – my hug was on because it wasn’t just mine any more to give.
It is my privilege and pleasure to hug as a part of life’s moments!
cameyg’s last blog post..Lester.
Definitely a hugger here. I’ve noticed my husband does a lot more “man hugs” than he ever used to. Even side-hugged the carpet cleaner the other day.
Can’t wait to see the closed circuit video from Blockbuster when it hits YouTube!
Candy’s last blog post..Little Girl. Pink Shirt. Big Tears.
If the lady at Blockbuster didn’t go to Crosspoint…well, you might have just lost one Pete! hahahah
Yep, I’m a hugger.
Bro hugging takes years of practice to perfect and be cool with..
joseph’s last blog post..Are You Plugged In or Un-Plugged?
My family is big huggers…I think you can usually tell if someone is okay with it or not….and if I think they are huggers, they are going to get one from me. I understand everyone is different, but for some people, I feel like they wouldn’t give me a hug because they think its, like, EW! I have to admit that sometimes I go out of my way to hug someone that is opposed to it…thinking that it just might help lighten them up…Hey, its not like I am giving you a Holy kiss like they did in Biblical days….Hug someone today, it will make you feel better!
I’m so not a hugger! However, if cornered I will hug you back. I have to agree with the regional thing. I’m a New Yorker and well, we just don’t hug randomly. We reserve that type of “body emotion” for funerals, weddings, births and the like. ; )
But while I was working in Texas and here in California, people just hug like it is the expected thing.
Though in Blockbuster I’ve noticed people tend to keep to themselves. ; )
Kristen’s last blog post..As of Late, Part II
Just depends on the day ! Never had a hug I didn’t like though ,but I’ve never had a stranger hug me in blockbuster
By the way Miranda is the best hugger at Crosspoint FYI
I am definitely a hugger!!! I remember learning about all the different types of huggs in youth group. They suggested the “A frame” hug… Something about guys having living sensors all over their bodies that would get their engine reved up… I still hugged everyone!
I’m a hugger trapped in a non-hugger’s body. Honestly, wasn’t much of a hugger until I came to Cross Point and where everyone wants to hug. I like the DubHow strategy or the side hug. I prefer to save hugs for people I really know and Ryan Bult.
Pat Rowland’s last blog post..What’s Bouncing Around My Head
That story is hilarious!
I’m a hugger … although I try to be sensitive (often unsuccessfully) to the non-huggers.
Lori’s last blog post..Fortune Cookie Leadership
I am definitely a hugger, but as usual you have to temper that with how well you know the person. I will choose the hug over the handshake any day!
Jon Ackerman’s last blog post..Tuesday morning inspiration…
Usually, Aussies aren’t huggers…especially Anglo-Aussies. In my old, v.anglo church, hugging was rare. In my current, mega-multi-cultural church (over 80 at last count among 400 members), hugging is a learned art-form : “Ah, you’re Armenian, so we kiss on both cheeks and do the rear-out hug”, “Italian – kiss on one cheek”, “Sri Lankan? – I have idea, remind me again?” …etc, etc.
I think I need to keep a doc on my phone to record the protocol.
I love hugging though, just to be clear on that. But I’ll always allow the other person to take the lead on the style – they usually know best anyway
Definitely a hugger! However I have learned that a side hug is best for all women except your own wife and mother. As a Pastor, I am always uncomfortable with the woman who gives the full frontal. But, I say find the appropriate hug and hug away.
John Hobbs’s last blog post..Honor…
Pete,
Have you seen this video: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-give-a-great-man-to-man-hug
We showed it at a men’s camp last year. Pretty funny stuff.
Peter
Peter Carino’s last blog post..Penn Jillette
i’m a REAL hugger. I love to touch and actually feel odd if I am in a very deep moment and don’t touch someone – like during communion or worship for instance. It’s a tough world out there for me since I am constantly wondering what is appropriate……although I’ve never hugged a stranger in Blockbuster. haha. that made me giggle.
I actually think we are starved for healthy affection – we need to be touched in non-sexual ways and we don’t know how!!!
So next time you see me you can feel free to hug me. I love it and don’t think anything weird about it at all.
I also tend to touch people when I talk to them which – now that I think about it – might be weird for some. hmmmmmm
Jan Owen’s last blog post..Who Inspires You?
haha. That is hysterical!
I’m a hugger for sure. Both mine and my husband’s family are big huggers!
alison’s last blog post..just trust…
Here’s a post that I did using a video on hugging that you might find interesting:
http://aworshipfulheart.typepad.com/a_worshipful_heart/2008/04/hug-campaign-fo.html
Jan Owen’s last blog post..Who Inspires You?
Im a hugger, i look @ it this way jesus hugs us everyday & if your good enough for Jesus to hug your good enough for me. i know I have made people nervous before but jeus Followers should hug each other every day. Pete Question I see some comments with hearts how does a person get one cause I think their great.
Andy Depuy’s last blog post..Never Give Up On Me
Always have been a hugger. Probably always will.
I’ve stepped over a line recently with my guy friends and have began saying “I love you” rather than “love you man!” or “love you bro!” You should try it some time. Difficult to do … haha
Ryan gives the best “side hugs”….
I’m a HUGGER fo’shizzle!!!!
DEb’s last blog post..BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LETTER “N”….
Lol! Love the Blockbuster story!
Yes, I’m a hugger. Years ago I hugged my Father-in-law and he made it known immediately that he was NOT a hugger and never wanted me to do that again! I tried to not take it personally but it did hurt my feelings a little. And it made me realize that not everyone likes to be hugged.
Brenda’s last blog post..Tell me what you think
This post reminded me of a site we found a few months ago – with directions on a proper “man hug” http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/07/the-mechanics-of-the-man-hug/
Personally, it depends on the person, if I know you pretty well, I will return a hug… if not, I may look at you a little weird.
Hey Pete… reminds me of a cool Poem by this guy named Bradley Hathaway… finally found a video of him reciting it. The video borders on cheesy, but features the poem… great great poem.
check it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Q6T9mPlzU
Daniel
I’m not a hugger.
amy’s last blog post..On patience
Ryan Bult, you are so correct sir! Hugs are the greatest think in the world I am married to the hugger of all huggers, she hugs the bagger at the grocery, the target checker, and anyone she comes in contact with.
Definitely a hugger, seems hearts can touch much easier that way than through a hand shake. Loved the Blockbuster story!!!
Annie’s last blog post..Gifts of Understanding-Part 2
I’m a moody hugger…
some days I love hugs and dole them out like candy; other days I find them almost panic attack-inducing. I should get a reversible T-shirt that reads “Hugs Welcome” on one side and “My personal-space bubble is WAAAAAY bigger than yours. Come closer and you’re dead.” on the other.
Sadly, I’m not kidding. Maybe being an introvert pressured to “play” extrovert to get along in school, church, and the world-at-large has resulted in my touchy-feely wires getting tangled up on a regular basis.
Sometimes I feel like my friends are competing for God’s “most understanding” award. I know I can be hard to love. Then again, they would be the perfect models for some interesting T-shirts, too!
I guess I’m more of an open-mouth kisser…perhaps that explains why people look the other way when they see me approaching
@Deb, you’re another one of my favorite huggers.
I’m a hugger. I wasn’t always a hugger. In fact, in the words of my former youth leader, I used to “look at the girls who hugged like they were out of their minds.” Haha. Hugs make everything better.
susan’s last blog post..The more exciting post
I’m definitely a hugger… but I usually go with the Man-Hug. Depending on how that goes, it may lead to Full Frontal hugging. But that is usually done in the privacy of my own home, unless someone REALLY needs it.
Jon Smith’s last blog post..Facebook Can’t Give You a Hug
I use to be a hugger with everyone but after my friend told youths her thoughts on hugging, even though I don’t believe it ….I never realized it could be “taken wrong” or “for the wrong reason”…I just thought it meant you were loving, and demonstrative showing joy and Jesus’ love….I don’t hug so much…maybe I should again…I don’t know..
This is the post I wrote about her hugging comments last year..http://lindylou-abbott.blogspot.com/2008/09/can-hugging-be-mistake.html.
Lindy Abbott’s last blog post..Experience Revival in Your Own Heart
Pete – after writing my post and reading yours today, I think an educational video on how to give a great man to man hug is in order: http://tinyurl.com/b8be3t
Jon Smith’s last blog post..Facebook Can’t Give You a Hug
Yeah, I am a hugger. Full body usually. But not because I am a prostitute…it’s just that we don’t really have that many people to hug so when I get the chance, I am all over it. Them, er, the hug?
kristiapplesauce’s last blog post..Peeps
I’m a hugger. It’s how I got my koala nickname!!
Some of the young people from my old church had an interesting ‘free hugs’ ministry that they took around Scotland one day…!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgzBrxXwzdI
Though have to admit I’m less of a hugger since I moved to Edinburgh and go to church in a ‘posh’ part of Edinburgh which is very reserved and proper!!
Brunettekoala’s last blog post..The art of corrupting children
Pete, that is hilarious! I am definitely a hugger. My family is very touchy-feely as in we always hugged and kissed. My husband’s on the other hand, is way more reserved. They do the shoulder hug when they have to hug! Great post!
LOL I can picture you doing that and that is HILARIOUS hahaha omgoodness I am crackin up at that image.
I am a hugger and think physical contact is so so so important….but I also have hug issues. When to hug. When to not. Who to hug. How to hug. and I’m always replaying church or different scenes to make sure I hugged everybody I was supposed to….. cuz I’m just soo not a physical touch love language. I have to think about it except with my family — I am a good physical lover to all of them.
because physical is not a love language I naturally speak at all….. my default when I want to love on somebody is NOT a hug but instead, “you are so awesome. you’re such a leader. I love you. thank you for you. this has been great. can’t wait to be around you again”
hehehe but I’m trying to learn to speak other languages and not be a weirdo about it!
Randi
’s last blog post..What Pleases God – Part 7
I’m a hugger………
Not a hugger, per sea. But if someone initiates a hug, I don’t leave them hanging. Then there’s the akward hankshake fake-out turned into half-hearted hug. As for hugs, I prefer the side hug for those who are not in my immediate circle of relations.
So, I’m about 95% sure I’m coming to “Off the Blogs”. So I need to know right now if you’re gonna shake my hand or go for the side hug. I’d like to know what to expect.
katdish’s last blog post..Me Being Lazy: My maiden voyage into the blogosphere
I am hispanic and have attended hispanic churches all my life. The traditional “hispanic hug” in my experience was the “man hug” with men and the “Cheek to Cheek kiss-hug” with the women (basically you put your right hand on the shoulder and hug with the other hand while puting your cheek up to hers and making that kiss sound.) When I first made the switch to an american church, I hugged and kissed everyone I met without even noticing how awkward it made some people feel. I’m still a big hugger/kisser but I’m a little more cautious now.
Rob’s last blog post..Working hard at hardly working!
Pete, Loved the Blockbuster story. Laughed. Still laughing. But please tell us that you explained you were a pastor and not some video store creep?
Me, I usually only hug people I know. My family usually gives hello and goodbye hugs when visiting each other, but as far as people that are not family or friends, I usually don’t dish out hugs very much (although I don’t typically reject hugs, either. Unless you’re a complete stranger in a store!) Maybe it DOES come from being raised in the North?
Although since I moved to MN 15 yrs ago, I think I have been hugged a lot more. Or maybe that’s just what “Minnesota Nice” is…
Susan’s last blog post..If I Can Just Stop Coughing Long Enough to Say…
@susan — that’s basically the way I am… and I was raised in the North. Maybe it does have something to do with it? IDK!
Randi
’s last blog post..What Pleases God – Part 7
I’m so not a hugger. I can hug when I have to (to keep from being rude), but I don’t ever hug someone first. And I can handle it better at church than other places. I can’t understand why coworkers try to hug me. Weird.
@ Susan and Randi: I was born and raised in the North too, so maybe that’s my problem also.
Oh, and you forgot sidehugs. Those are my favorite, if I have to hug someone.
jenn’s last blog post..WW: Sick Day
absolutely am! I would consider myself at the forefront of this revolution.
Sean Pritzkau’s last blog post..hey andy,
Oh man, EVERYBODY, male and female alike, needs to watch Jon Smith’s video on man hugging. Hilarious!!!!!!!
Here’s the link:
http://tinyurl.com/b8be3t
I think the rear end out is also referred to as the A frame hug. Rear end out kinda sounds weird.
Des’s last blog post..Manna in Tupperware
Greetings Peter and the others.
I don’t attend at your church, but I was browsing the Net today with a search on the subject of hugging in church.
I was raised in a church that hugged rarely or not at all (LDS), and then in my 20s went to a church where everybody hugged everybody. And I came to believe that hugging was normal and proper for Christians, usually speaking. Then that church broke apart, and I visited other churches. Many people in many other churches do not hug.
In visiting other churches, I at times discomforted persons by standing with arms outstretched. I regard churches and Christians who do not hug as somewhat abnormal, just as I regard Christians who pray for me in my presence without laying hands on me as behaving bizarrely. But I have learned to at least somewhat be content with being hugged or not being hugged.
As for your educational piece re hugging, my approach, when I am around persons who hug or around persons whom I would like to hug, is to stand in a posture that communicates the invitation to hug, while giving the other person his or her opportunity to choose
whether to accept or not, and in what degree of closeness. I stand with forearms outstretched, but motionless. Some respond by hugging fully; some hug partly; some do not hug.
By the way, if I lived in your area, the fact that people at your church at times hug would probably be a sufficient reason for me to visit the church.
I think we’ve all been there, regarding the awkward stranger hug! Nicely done.
Fully agree on the hug transplanting the handshake as a form of greeting. It seems even President Obama is getting in on the action!
http://www.hugsuniteus.org/hugs-news/108-obama-qhugger-in-chiefq
.-= Croix Sather´s last blog ..New RDR (Recommended Daily Requirement) =-.