I love hugs. Most mornings, as I arrive at work, I am greeted with at least one or two hugs. I feel so lucky to be working with a group of people with whom this is acceptable and even embraced (pardon the pun). I’m not sure what new employees think about this routine; I often see surprise or some degree of questioning on their faces as they watch the little round of morning hugs. If and when I see them first take part in the hug giving, my insides smile.
I think hugging and other physical contact is something that single people often miss out on. Living alone, there is no morning hug or kiss on my way out the door. My family is affectionate, but I only see them a few times a month. How sad it would be to only receive that physical touch a couple times a month!
My own desire and need for a physical connection has helped to loosen up some of my friends. As I get older, I find that I am more comfortable reaching out for a hug when greeting or leaving a friend than I was in days past. If they are uneasy about this practice at first, they generally tend to come around or at least suffer through my embrace.
In making others aware of my need for touch and by being the one to take the initial action, I have taken charge of my hug-less single living situation and made stronger connections with my friends at the same time.
