It's Hug Holiday! So if you know someone who needs a hug, today's the day to give them one!! I'm sending virtual hugs to everyone who might need them! According to the website: Hugs may release a hormone called oxytocin into the bloodstream. This hormone, produced in the pituitary gland, helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol. It also reduces anxiety, improves mood and memory, and increases bonding and closeness. Those who hug often tend to have increased empathy for others. In order for hugs to be beneficial, those participating must trust each other and both want to hug. Otherwise, the opposite effect happens, and cortisol levels rise, causing stress. I have to confess that I am great with virtual hugs, but I am not a hugger in real life. I do, when I feel like someone really needs one but, for the most part, I'm just not a hugger. My friends know this about me and sometimes force their hugs LOL. Do you need a hug today? Let us know and we'll send all the virtual ones! Are you a hugger??
I am not a hugger, and especially hate the ones where the hugger rocks me side to side. I will hug close friends and those who need it. It's been a rough week though. Our brother in law passed away on Saturday and my best friend emigrates this Thursday. So I will take the virtual hug with thanks and appreciation and leave another for anyone that needs it.
I'm definetely a hugger. It's something I have thought a lot about. I read once that you bevome a hugger if you come from a family of huggers, i.e. it's something you learn from home. However... I do not! Can't remember my parents ever hugged me, unless I was the one hugging them. Not remember I ever hugged my siblings either. But I'm a crazy hugger LOL I hug everyone. Meeting someone I haven't met in years, I hug them. Old friends, new friends. Everyone gets a hug. I would hug you too if we met IRL. At least I'm not in the habit of hugging strangers. LOL Any other huggers here? Did you grow up in a hugging family?
My sincere condolences, Stefanie, to you and your family on the loss of your brother in law. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, especially during this time.
I am a hugger for sure. I think it is in my genes My Mother's maternal side of the family were HUGE huggers Re I definitely will give a hug to those that need it. Especially virtually. To me hugs are comforting, but like Stefanie, I am not interested in the rocking ones.
I got a hug from TJ last night, she's come back from university and will be staying with us until she finds employment.
I am a hugger... love giving them and getting them... we hug lots in our family. My son gives such nice hugs too. I will say that there are times when I won't hug... like strangers, or people I really don't know well, but in general we've always given hugs when saying hello and goodbye. @StefanieS sending you a big virtual hug... condolences on your brother-in-law's passing and major sympathies with your best friend leaving (I had that years ago and it wasn't nice!)
I'm so sorry for your losses @StefanieS adding another virtual hug here for you. IRL I'm not much of a hugger. My hubby loves them though... so yeah.
@StefanieS so sorry for the loss of your brother-in-law and for your best friend moving away. Sending virtual hugs. Our family always hugs hello and goodbye when we have a gathering or even when we show up for our weekly card games. But I'm awkward when it comes to hugging outside of the family. I just never know if the relationship is one that is ready for a hug, kwim? I usually take my cue from the other person, lol.
I'm so sorry for your loss Stefanie, and I hope you and your BFF will be able to keep in touch and visit each other frequently. I've never been much of a hugger, with the exception of my kids and grandkids. That said, I find that I am more of a hugger as I age.
I'm not much of a hugger. If approached for a hug I'll hug back for a few moments and back away. I'm more of a toucher (that sounds weird LOL). I will touch someone's hand or arm as I speak to them but hugging...not so much.
None of my immediate family are huggers, so I always figured that's why I never was. I have extended family that are all huggers. I love huggers, they are great, and I will hug back It's just very seldom that I will initiate a hug.
There are lots of times, I wish I was a hugger lol My youngest son is a hugger and he does give really nice ones
Same!! I'm very touchy feely as far as putting a hand on someone's arm or shoulder, just not much of a hugger.
Not a fan of the hugging among friends, but love hugging my kids! I can get down with some virtual hugs...for all who need one!
Love this thread Jan! Who doesn’t love a virtual hug?! Are you a hugger? Not really. I’m super awkward so hugs are awkward but I think they’re good and healthy. I tease my daughter that she should hug me like she hugs her boyfriends lol
My family weren't big huggers, and I used to feel very awkward when someone hugged me. I've had so many friends who are huggers and they have gradually converted me. I am seldom the initiator, but do happily return as the receiver. BTW, my DH gives superb hugs so I'm always ready for that!
I enjoy hugs and always say yes when offered a hug but I rarely initiate them. I think because my parents were non-demonstrative, not affectionate. I would like to give more hugs but I rarely think of it. I am a pretty good listener and so empathetic I cry with others though!
