A hug poll

[dalekboy]

Given that I've been needy, emotional, weepy, and throwing myself on the mercy of my closer friends for hugs, affection, etc., I've found myself wondering how other people regard hugs and cuddles. For me they are a lovely way to spend time with people I trust, but what about you?



Usual rules - no one but me can can see your answers, all comments are screened.

[Poll #1054591]

Comments

[dalekboy.livejournal.com]

I think if they're your friends, you can tell them that you're not as huggy as you once were and would prefer less of it, or to be the initiator.

[dalekboy.livejournal.com]

I think that's a mixture of things. Fans are thick, and some are just so happy to see people, they want the hug, and don't stop to think that the other person might not.

Some years back, after pancakes, a person I had only just met at that Swancon came up wanting to give me a hug. With some people, even freshly met, that wouldn't have been an issue, with this person it was, because I didn't know them well enough to be willing to share my personal space. Rather than stop them dead, and make it clear to them and everyone present that I didn't want them touching me, I made it a comedic thing, running away, pretending to hide, etc.

Someone who knew me exceptionally well said, "That was mean, why wouldn't you hug such-and-such?" and I said "Because I wasn't comfortable hugging them."
"It was just a hug."
"Doesn't matter, I'm not going to hug someone I don't wish to."

Now, many years on, I am overjoyed when this person reappears in my life, and give them the best hug of all time. But back then, no way. The hug would have just made me unhappy for hours afterwards.

Now when we hug, it means something.