To hug or not to hug. That is the question

Photo by Dimitar Belchev on Unsplash

Hugging became a ‘thing’ a while ago, but the tide has turned somewhat. Now, if you hug someone without their permission, your hug might not be welcome. So should you hug or not?

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On one hand, a hug is just that … a hug. If you’re a hugger, you probably perceive your behavior as warm and welcoming.

In fact, studies show that hugs of 20 seconds or more cause the body to release oxytocin, a hormone that bonds people (and animals) together. It’s also great for the immune system and shows the other person that you’re a friendly, open person.

On the other hand, hugging brings you into close, intimate contact with someone you’ve just met. If the physical contact is unwelcome, the person can feel that their space has been invaded, and they can even feel violated.

The best thing to do to avoid offending someone is to use your judgment. If you’ve just met someone, and their posture is ‘closed’ or they’re keeping their distance, hugging probably isn’t a good idea.

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If, however, the other person comes towards you with arms wide open, you’re good to go. Also, different cultures have different attitudes towards hugging. Be sure your behavior is culturally appropriate.