Seriously, I really like getting hugged. I need more hugs in my life. We all do, don’t we?
As an avid wildlife observer, I recently saw two adult female deer grazing on our lawn. One walked slowly toward the other and gently licked its face. When the licking stopped the recipient lowered its head begging for more. More licking ensued. A deer’s version of a hug had been successfully delivered. Animals of all kinds “hug” each other.
Hugs signal the acceptance of others. They are affirming in a way that few other actions are. Handshakes are polite. Saying “Nice to see you” is okay. But nothing beats a brief hug between two people who wish to honor the special nature of their relationship. (Men, that includes you.)
The next time you see a family member, close neighbor or old friend don’t hesitate. Give them a hug. They need a hug. Admit it; you could use a hug yourself.
Personal Promise: If you hug me I will hug you in return.
Hi, Bill,
Having lived and worked in Brazil for quite a few years, deeply integrated into the culture by language and daily living, I can agree completely with your thesis. Unfortunately, in our culture everyone walks around with an invisible âbubbleâ of personal space that is more or less considered to be private and sacrosanct. I have noticed that with older people, that unfortunate barrier tends, over time, to dissipateâ¦which is good thing. There truly is something instinctively satisfying and positive about sharing simple affection and mutual respect through what is referred in Brazil as an âabraço.â Our culture has become so saturated with overtly sexual innuendo that an understandable fear has been created of âoversteppingâ or â even worse â displaying some aberrant behavior pattern that would deserve societal condemnation. Your blog comments are a nice step toward moving toward a more healthy situation. Feel free to share.
Duke
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Hi, Bill,
Having lived and worked in Brazil for quite a few years, deeply integrated into the culture by language and daily living, I can agree completely with your thesis. Unfortunately, in our culture everyone walks around with an invisible “bubble” of personal space that is more or less considered to be private and sacrosanct. I have noticed that with older people, that unfortunate barrier tends, over time, to dissipate…which is good thing. There truly is something instinctively satisfying and positive about sharing simple affection and mutual respect through what is referred in Brazil as an “abraço.” Our culture has become so saturated with overtly sexual innuendo that an understandable fear has been created of “overstepping” or — even worse — displaying some aberrant behavior pattern that would deserve societal condemnation. Your blog comments are a nice step toward moving toward a more healthy situation. Feel free to share.
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Big hug comin’ atcha! 🙂
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