But I also was surprised to learn something about myself. My friends revealed that I am not a good hugger.
Me of all people- Miss Personality and happy-go-lucky and all- was not a good hugger.
In all my life I never knew it, but I wasn't giving real hugs.
I am a side hugger.
And that, I'm told, is not a real hug.
So since then, I think about this every time I hug someone. And people noticed! when I started giving good hugs! Not only were the people I was hugging missing out, but I was missing out.
There is nothing like a good, frontal hug with arms wrapped nicely around you.
I am so thankful that my friends were kind enough to give me a hug intervention. It's really a whole new way of life.
Now doesn't this make you want to hug? Hug as many people as you can today. Don't forget your hubby or wife. And your kids. Even babies. Dogs. A good pillow.
Be open to the idea that there are even things you'd be surprised to learn about yourself.
This is my hug to you.
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Steph - do you read Stuff Christians Like? Jon talks about the side hug at length. You aren't alone in your side hugs!
ReplyDeleteI actually don't like to hug. I have tried to get into the current trend of hugging people when I see them, but I just can't. I am a bit anti-touch. Sad, but true.
ReplyDeleteI am so anti-side hugs! I am glad your friends cared enough about you to intervene. Realizing you have a problem is your first step. Good luck on your journey! :) I laughed this entire post...I am going to hug my pillow!
ReplyDeleteI love real hugs!!! but I do side hug some people (men and guys) why? Because I've been told by some of my Christian brother that a full front hug could be a stumbling block for some of them.
ReplyDeleteSo to make sure I don't make any of my brothers stumble I side hug them
But to people who share my gender well a full bear hug is what I like to give and receive!!!!
That is a great video...thanks for the hug...and here is a hug right back! {hug} :) Have a great day!
ReplyDeletei am totally not a hugger, i find it quite awkward. but, maybe i just need to give it a little more... thanks for the hug, throwing one right back at you!
ReplyDelete"Be open to the idea that there are even things you'd be surprised to learn about yourself."
ReplyDeleteThanks for this!
"Hug intervention"--that made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteI prefer a good side hug, myself... not much of a touchy touchy person. Of course, that doesn't include my babies... they get the real deal!!
Your hugs are better these days. Thanks Steph's friends for the intervention. I loved the video...Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I have realized in the last few years that I started giving "weak" hugs. In the last year or so, I've started giving good girl friend hugs. I love my friends and I want them to know I care for them and if they are having a rough day- I wanna give a great hug!!! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I grew up with an Italian mother, so I know how to hug, really hug and receive one. But funny that I reserve it for only the dearest. I am so funny about space. Odd, maybe too many hugs and pinched cheeks as a child.
ReplyDeleteI real hug family and side hug most friends. Some friends I real hug, but mostly only my oldest and dearest.
ReplyDeletehugs are the best
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I met you and you did the side hug...
ReplyDeletebut I loved you anyways!
Who knew you were going to need a hug intervention!!
Here's to better hugs in 2009.
;p
What a cute post! I've been accused of poor hugging skills myself, but I'm working on it :) And as a huge DMB fan, I appreciate your hug! Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteSo on my way to hug my family now. Thank. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I side hug, too. Well, my family gets real hugs, but everyone else gets the side hug.
ReplyDeleteSo funny! I thought you did the side hug thing because you were either pregnant or nursing and wanted to avoid the "pressure" :) Now, I can't wait to see you again!
ReplyDelete:) A side hugger...
ReplyDeleteI hug everyone. Sometimes, I catch myself going in for a hug for a long-lost acquaintance (not even an old friend) and will see that look of fear on their face. Oops. Hugging with abandon....
I think you gave me a full on hug when I announced that I was pregnant, so you are progressing!
ReplyDeleteI am such a huge hugger. I will hug everyone multiple times, ridiculously so. When I see friends that I haven't seen in forever, I end up hugging them at least five times in the first twenty minutes. I'm never sure if it's annoying or endearing!
This just makes you more adorable!
ReplyDeleteThis made me think of Stuff Christians Like too.
ReplyDeleteBut anyway, I love the reminder. I sometimes forget to REALLY hug those right here in my house. It's good stuff.
I was always a big hug person, then I started noticing that a lot of people side hug. So, I started doing more side hugging. Although, with close family and friends, I still go full on hug! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a total side hugger. Huggy people actually freak me out a bit. Maybe I need to turn over a new leaf in the new year and resolve to hug and not even settle for side hugging. Although thinking about it kinda terrifies me.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I forgot to say that video is my absolutely favorite video ever. I did a recreation of it one year with my first graders... just lots of video of 1st graders hugging. It was adorable.
ReplyDelete(and I'm not afraid to hug kids AT ALL.)
I've heard that those that hug often are healthier than those that do not. Another great reason for hugs! :)
ReplyDeleteI love hugs- no matter the style :) I always give the "huggee" a little pat/rub on the back...not in a creepy way, just real quick. I have been told that people like this...however you do it, keep on hugging your loved ones :)
ReplyDeleteof all the possible things you can have an intervention for I never realized hugging would ever be one of them. I am glad you were made aware of this cause i only side hug people I don't want to hug (or who i sense don't really want to hug me)
ReplyDeleteglad you got your hugger fixed.
Sorry, honey, but I am in the non-hugger camp. Oh, sure, my family -- immediate only, thanks. And my best friend. Otherwise, can't do it. But good for you on your hugging improvement!
ReplyDeleteI guess I kinda live under a rock. I had never seen that Dave Matthews Band video. We don't do much TV. But I loved it, it really gave me a lift. Now I'm going to give lots of Happy New Year hugs.
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE the title of this post. I'm glad you've revised your hugging technique! ; )
ReplyDeleteYou just made me realize... I am a side hugger also. I'll make an effort to do better. In fact I'm heading out into the neighborhood right now to do me some hugging!! : )
ReplyDeleteI get caught up in the "fake" hug also but when I really mean it I do the frontal hug. Sometimes it's hard for me to be that vulnerable and open to receiving emotion from other people.
ReplyDeletei was the same exact way....for some reason hugs bothered me unless they were coming from my kids....subconsciously it's a way to keep distance from people....now i make an effort to accept and give better hugs. weird...
ReplyDelete