Some thoughts about Hugs!

[Krumbeard]

I didn't really think much about hugs when I was younger. But as I age and have had my moments in life, I think more about hugs than I used to and what they mean or express.

I know there can be a weird side to everything so I'm sure some have had weird, gross or creepy hug experiences.

As for myself, I used to give my wife a hug most days when I got home from work. She was not a hugger too much, but she put up with it.

I think hugs can express a lot of things in a few short seconds that couldn't be expressed by words by the pages full. For instance, at my wife's funeral I was getting lots of hugs from lots of people. There was a viewing one night and the funeral service the next night. The second night, I was looking for someone. A good friend, and cousin that I hadn't seen in like ten years. I didn't know if she was going to be there or not, but I was sure hoping. After the service there were refreshments and as we gathered in fellowship hall her and husband found me. She said "Oh Krumbeard…." then gave me a long tight hug. I don't know how long it was but I would say around a minute. It was so comforting. And she definitely knew what pain and grief was about. I cannot describe how comforting that was but it will always stand out in my mind.
Now had that come from someone I hardly knew... Umm get off please.

Now the pastor that married us, counseled us and performed the funeral service died almost a year later. When I went to his memorial service and saw his wife, she says to me "You already know what this is like." I had no words. I couldn't think. All I thought to do was give her a hug. I tried later, several months, to write her a letter but never finished. I didn't know what to say. I was still at a loss for words.

One more hug experience comes to mind.
There is a guy at work that had his youngest son die. I think his son was nine. I went to the viewing and when I got to him and his wife I was a blubbering fool. What little I did manage to say probably sounded like nonsense. But I remember hugging him and hoping in some small way it could help comfort him.

So who else has some of these experiences? Even the weird and creepy.

 

[IFOLLOWHIM]

I'm so sorry for your loss!
What a wonderful thread you have shared!
Thank you
I'm a hugger,and yes touch can SAY WAY MORE THAN WORDS!

 

[ArtsieSteph]

Wow...I am truly sorry for your loss Krumbeard...

We don’t realize sometimes how important that embraces and little hugs are, especially when you don’t have hem anymore.

My dad had chemo therapy, and therefore had to take days of no contact with people. It really effected him, and sometimes he had to have me or mom just grab a glove and hold his hand. Human contact is really important you know? Sometimes he would just want me to sit next to him and let himself rest on my shoulder, just to get that sense of solace.

 

[EliBeth]

I love and need hugs. There are 2 older men at my church who (appropriately) hug me (and others). This brings me comfort. I wish I felt more secure in my relationship with my Father to give and receive more hugs from him. But my older Brother hugs me. I appreciate him for this.
My Auntie hugs me every time she sees me- in greeting and departing. And my Mom and I hug regularly. I hug the children I work with at church.
A couple of weeks ago the Leader of a certain Bible study I go to approached me kindly and gave me a hug. It really meant a lot.
One of my greatest desires is to hug Jesus.

 

[tasha66]

I stayed somewhere for work last year, and met many new people at the accommodation place I was staying in, & made a few new friends.
There was a man I met who was living next door to me, who was just a friend - nothing more. I didn't know him very well - just to say hi to, or how was your day?
We were standing outside one day with our landlord next to us, who was washing his car I think. Anyway this man I knew just as a friend asked me how my day was, and I told him I'd got a new job, so was happy. To my absolute astonishment, he enveloped me in this HUGE, massive hug that I felt was totally inappropriate. We were standing on the side of a street for one in daylight. He hugged me so hard, that my ribs felt like they were going to crack. I was in shock for a bit, and I had to literally push him away from me. We don't hug in our family - it's not something we do, so I find it very strange to say the least. Even when my ex-bf (who I knew for a very long time) hugged me, it always felt odd.
Anyhoo, as I got to know him, he hugged all the women and used to kiss them on the cheek only - it was just his friendly way of saying hello, how are you? I as much as the other women, used to hug and kiss him back, which is VERY unusual for me. We were living in a tourist place - a beach culture - so I thought maybe this is normal for up here. We all used to sit outside and drink (not all of us drunk alcohol), or have dinner together and help each other out.
However as I got to know him more, I found out he was a drunk and a dope smoker - I just thought he smoked the occasional cigarette as I'd seen him outside doing that, and have the odd drink (he worked long hours in the building industry so I reckoned he deserved it). Not going into a whole big long story, but I found out he lied to me re many things. I never had a romantic relationship in anyway with this man, just always told him I wanted to be a friend only. He was unreliable in the extreme, and wouldn't turn up to pick me up when I'd specifically asked for a lift home one day - I was stranded, and had to walk home in thongs (flip flops), which caused blisters, and I couldn't walk for about 2 days afterwards; my feet were literally bleeding so badly I couldn't stand on them. He never made a commitment to anything - things that he had set up himself, like nagging me to go out for dinner as friends only. He lied about some important things, and did other weird things to. He also started becoming intrusive like banging on my door at 7 am, or late at night. I told him I'd thump him if he did it anymore, as I'm a shiftworker and need my sleep (which he knew). He was also sending odd messages at all hours that didn't make sense much of the time. His behaviour became more and more bizarre, so I got cold towards him, and started to avoid him. He turned out to be arrogant and boastful, and extremely unreliable.
He turned up at my door one day when he was waaaay drunk (I could see him swaying and smell the booze), and I was trying to get my shopping inside, as it was a swelteringly hot day - I badly needed a shower, to change & get the air con on. Before I could stop him, he grabbed me in a big bear hug & I felt one of his hands start to slide down. I was immediately revolted by his attentions and felt sickened, so pushed him away. Then he started saying: We can just hug like this all the time, it doesn't have to be sexual (and I had never mentioned anything in any universe about being sexual with him, or with anybody else for that matter).
I told him straight up not to bother me anymore, and eventually he left me alone. I had to complain about him to the landlord (not that he ever did much). I did miss him a bit at first, but after a while realised that I was partly to blame for letting it all go too far. I also found out that one of the females staying there who had moved on, got the wrong idea and tried to hook up with him, but he rejected her. She told me later she found the constant hugging a very confusing signal & that he had led her on, by inviting her up to his apartment for drinks.
As the Bible says, I didn't 'guard my heart' (can't remember which scripture that is in). I am very cautious now, watch my behaviour around men & don't touch them. If they go to hug me, I just shake their hand instead. I also make it very clear up front that I am not interested in hooking up with them (but that didn't stop the other guy much!)
This man has now texted me asking how I am and where I'm living, but I refuse to change my mobile number as I have changed it a few times already. I haven't answered him, as I don't want him seeing that I have the same mobile number. I have decided ignoring him will be the best thing, as texting him back asking him to leave me alone would be seen as encouragement. I've even gone so far as to ring the police for advice, and they told me not to contact him, even to discourage him. If he bothers me again, I'm going to stand up for my rights and contact the police and make a formal complaint this time, which is what they told me I should do. I'm sick of having men thinking they can just come up and grope me, because they think it is their right, for some strange reason. It's invasive to think you can just go up and hug someone, for whatever reason, I think. You should always ask a woman for permission to touch her. And I don't go around hugging people myself, as I find it odd. I just usually touch them on the arm or the shoulder.

This is why I love this scripture, as I always find it applicable to our times:
3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

PS: italics and bold type are mine.

I work in the psychiatric field, and interestingly, I also found out later that this man was being kicked out of his acccommodation, and his family didn't want him staying with them, probably cos he was a drunk/a smoker & had caused alot of trouble in the past. His own mother wouldn't even let him stay back at home, not even just for Xmas and the New Year. He even said himself that his mother was a hard b***h, & never showed him any affection. He eventually cleared out in one night. I believe he lacked affection all his life, and that is why he gravitated towards older females like me and my 2 friends, and why he hugged females so much. But he just never realised, despite me telling him outright, that you can't just manhandle a woman whenever you feel like it, ESPECIALLY when you're drunk or high - such a turn off!

 

[IFOLLOWHIM]

(((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))!
EVERYONE!

 

[Lady_Sunshine]

That Story made me tear up.

I'm super sensitive spiritually. I LOVE hugs, but Im extremely cautious and rarely give/recieve em

 

[morefaithrequired]

Great post and thread Krumbeard. My family culture is shy and undemonstrative. I knew my parents loved me deeply even though they never hugged me. Appropriate hugging is important. I imagine that would be the thing one misses the most if they lose their partner. and the chatting too of course.

 

[laughingheart]

Hugs, for me, are about connection. They can communicate without the need for words. When they are imposed on you, and it is unwanted, it becomes a form of restriction. I had a completely unexpected event this week where I was grabbed by a drunk and "hugged" and then he did it again. It was the middle of the day in a family restaurant and he became very volatile. I did not know him. He later he grabbed my arms from behind, after saying he wanted to punch some people in the head, and then did more yelling. he declared his "bleeping" love for me. I am sure he couldn't even focus to see me. I bolted away but didn't know if I'd be chased into the parking lot. It left me very upset. I did my best to diffuse the situation, but not knowing if I would get hit was scary. Someone might say that that wasn't a big deal as long as I wasn't punched. The takeaway is that unwanted touching of any kind can't be labeled a hug. It is not an embrace, it is a restraint. I still am not sleeping too well but it will get better. Please be safe all of you and Krumbeard I am so sorry for your loss. I really am.

 

[laughingheart]

I stayed somewhere for work last year, and met many new people at the accommodation place I was staying in, & made a few new friends.
There was a man I met who was living next door to me, who was just a friend - nothing more. I didn't know him very well - just to say hi to, or how was your day?
We were standing outside one day with our landlord next to us, who was washing his car I think. Anyway this man I knew just as a friend asked me how my day was, and I told him I'd got a new job, so was happy. To my absolute astonishment, he enveloped me in this HUGE, massive hug that I felt was totally inappropriate. We were standing on the side of a street for one in daylight. He hugged me so hard, that my ribs felt like they were going to crack. I was in shock for a bit, and I had to literally push him away from me. We don't hug in our family - it's not something we do, so I find it very strange to say the least. Even when my ex-bf (who I knew for a very long time) hugged me, it always felt odd.
Anyhoo, as I got to know him, he hugged all the women and used to kiss them on the cheek only - it was just his friendly way of saying hello, how are you? I as much as the other women, used to hug and kiss him back, which is VERY unusual for me. We were living in a tourist place - a beach culture - so I thought maybe this is normal for up here. We all used to sit outside and drink (not all of us drunk alcohol), or have dinner together and help each other out.
However as I got to know him more, I found out he was a drunk and a dope smoker - I just thought he smoked the occasional cigarette as I'd seen him outside doing that, and have the odd drink (he worked long hours in the building industry so I reckoned he deserved it). Not going into a whole big long story, but I found out he lied to me re many things. I never had a romantic relationship in anyway with this man, just always told him I wanted to be a friend only. He was unreliable in the extreme, and wouldn't turn up to pick me up when I'd specifically asked for a lift home one day - I was stranded, and had to walk home in thongs (flip flops), which caused blisters, and I couldn't walk for about 2 days afterwards; my feet were literally bleeding so badly I couldn't stand on them. He never made a commitment to anything - things that he had set up himself, like nagging me to go out for dinner as friends only. He lied about some important things, and did other weird things to. He also started becoming intrusive like banging on my door at 7 am, or late at night. I told him I'd thump him if he did it anymore, as I'm a shiftworker and need my sleep (which he knew). He was also sending odd messages at all hours that didn't make sense much of the time. His behaviour became more and more bizarre, so I got cold towards him, and started to avoid him. He turned out to be arrogant and boastful, and extremely unreliable.
He turned up at my door one day when he was waaaay drunk (I could see him swaying and smell the booze), and I was trying to get my shopping inside, as it was a swelteringly hot day - I badly needed a shower, to change & get the air con on. Before I could stop him, he grabbed me in a big bear hug & I felt one of his hands start to slide down. I was immediately revolted by his attentions and felt sickened, so pushed him away. Then he started saying: We can just hug like this all the time, it doesn't have to be sexual (and I had never mentioned anything in any universe about being sexual with him, or with anybody else for that matter).
I told him straight up not to bother me anymore, and eventually he left me alone. I had to complain about him to the landlord (not that he ever did much). I did miss him a bit at first, but after a while realised that I was partly to blame for letting it all go too far. I also found out that one of the females staying there who had moved on, got the wrong idea and tried to hook up with him, but he rejected her. She told me later she found the constant hugging a very confusing signal & that he had led her on, by inviting her up to his apartment for drinks.
As the Bible says, I didn't 'guard my heart' (can't remember which scripture that is in). I am very cautious now, watch my behaviour around men & don't touch them. If they go to hug me, I just shake their hand instead. I also make it very clear up front that I am not interested in hooking up with them (but that didn't stop the other guy much!)
This man has now texted me asking how I am and where I'm living, but I refuse to change my mobile number as I have changed it a few times already. I haven't answered him, as I don't want him seeing that I have the same mobile number. I have decided ignoring him will be the best thing, as texting him back asking him to leave me alone would be seen as encouragement. I've even gone so far as to ring the police for advice, and they told me not to contact him, even to discourage him. If he bothers me again, I'm going to stand up for my rights and contact the police and make a formal complaint this time, which is what they told me I should do. I'm sick of having men thinking they can just come up and grope me, because they think it is their right, for some strange reason. It's invasive to think you can just go up and hug someone, for whatever reason, I think. You should always ask a woman for permission to touch her. And I don't go around hugging people myself, as I find it odd. I just usually touch them on the arm or the shoulder.

This is why I love this scripture, as I always find it applicable to our times:
3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

PS: italics and bold type are mine.

I work in the psychiatric field, and interestingly, I also found out later that this man was being kicked out of his acccommodation, and his family didn't want him staying with them, probably cos he was a drunk/a smoker & had caused alot of trouble in the past. His own mother wouldn't even let him stay back at home, not even just for Xmas and the New Year. He even said himself that his mother was a hard b***h, & never showed him any affection. He eventually cleared out in one night. I believe he lacked affection all his life, and that is why he gravitated towards older females like me and my 2 friends, and why he hugged females so much. But he just never realised, despite me telling him outright, that you can't just manhandle a woman whenever you feel like it, ESPECIALLY when you're drunk or high - such a turn off!

I am so sorry for what you went through. Thanks for being willing to share. It may give someone else the courage to say no to unwanted touching. As women we are taught to not seem unpleasant or appear to hurt someone's feelings. This is one of those situations where you need to understand you are within your rights to set boundaries. I am glad you are OK.

 

[Krumbeard]

Hugs, for me, are about connection. They can communicate without the need for words. When they are imposed on you, and it is unwanted, it becomes a form of restriction. I had a completely unexpected event this week where I was grabbed by a drunk and "hugged" and then he did it again. It was the middle of the day in a family restaurant and he became very volatile. I did not know him. He later he grabbed my arms from behind, after saying he wanted to punch some people in the head, and then did more yelling. he declared his "bleeping" love for me. I am sure he couldn't even focus to see me. I bolted away but didn't know if I'd be chased into the parking lot. It left me very upset. I did my best to diffuse the situation, but not knowing if I would get hit was scary. Someone might say that that wasn't a big deal as long as I wasn't punched. The takeaway is that unwanted touching of any kind can't be labeled a hug. It is not an embrace, it is a restraint. I still am not sleeping too well but it will get better. Please be safe all of you and Krumbeard I am so sorry for your loss. I really am.

All I can say in this instance..."Run. Forrest, Run!"

That's really scary!

 

[JesusLives]

I was anxious and just talking and talking one time and Tourist just came up and hugged me and it was just what I needed. I calmed down right away and just rested in his arms. He didn't say a word just hugged me and it was so comforting. We will be having our 5th anniversary this November 27th it is hard to believe that much time has passed so quickly.

At times hugs are just what is needed.

 

[IFOLLOWHIM]

I was anxious and just talking and talking one time and Tourist just came up and hugged me and it was just what I needed. I calmed down right away and just rested in his arms. He didn't say a word just hugged me and it was so comforting. We will be having our 5th anniversary this November 27th it is hard to believe that much time has passed so quickly.

At times hugs are just what is needed.

💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

 

[tasha66]

@laughingheart:

Wow LH how awful for you!!! What on earth did the restaurant staff do??
I am so, so sorry that people think they can just do stuff like that and get away with it - drunk or not - it is NO excuse for mandhandling men or women.
And you are putting yourself down by saying 'some people may think it isn't a big deal because you weren't punched'. He grabbed your arms and could've seriously hurt you, or damaged your arm & that is assult. Were you able to get his name from the restaurant to lay formal charges - they might know him - or see if anyone had him on film from their phone?
NOBODY - men or women - has the right to put their hands on you, for any reason whatsoever. In my case I wasn't harmed, but I realised that by returning this guy's affections, I had let it all go too far. It was a shock to say the least when he literally grabbed me in the middle of the street during the day, & hugged me so tight I could barely breathe. Some people reading this might think 'Lucky you!', but it wasn't nice or romantic at all - not like you see in the movies, where the girl swoons into the man's arms. I didn't even hug him back at first cos I was just so shocked. Even my ex-bf, whom I'd known for over 27 years, knew when to step back if he was hugging me too much, or felt like he was intruding into my space.
I'm not a naturally affectionate person as I wasn't raised like that. I didn't 'guard my heart' like I normally do. I never even go out with anyone I haven't known for a long time, and then it's only for dinner or coffee in a public place during the day. This particular man nagged & nagged & nagged me after me first met for me to go out with him 'just as friends'. But I'm so wary I just made excuses as I didn't know him so didn't feel safe going out with a stranger. I should've just told him upfront 'I don't know you so the answer is no'. I will from now on so there is no misunderstanding later on. And I NEVER apologise now, or start off by saying 'I'm sorry...' - no, I'm NOT sorry - I have nothing to apologise for if I don't want to be touched by you, or I don't want to return your affections for whatever reason.
This man has texted me wanting to know where I live at present and how I am, but I'm not texting him back, as he will then get hold of my mobile number (the police said not to contact him, as some blokes see that as encouragement). Anyway, the police can deal with it if he keeps bothering me, or I will get a restraining order. He was labile in the extreme, a liar, a drunk, a secret dope smoker, and needy as anything (though he denied that one day), and didn't know anything re boundaries. I also found out he was in massive amounts of debt, owing more than AUD $50,000.
You are right in that women are brought up to be nice, and not to come across as hard. Well, I don't care anymore, I am sick of men touching me on the tram or wherever, because they think they have that right.
No means NO as far as I'm concerned now!
Sorry you have PTSD now. I'm sure it's given you lots of nightmares.
You can personal message me if you want to chat privately as I'm in the psychiatric field, so I offer my services to you, for free of course (I do paid, online work as well).
Please try not to let one man spoil your view of everything - they aren't all drunks or violent. I was getting that way, but now I'm very slowly getting my trust back with people. FYI my ex-fiancee from years ago - not my ex-bf - turned out to be violent, so I lost alot of trust in men after that, so I DO know what you are going through.
It's a sad world when you can't even go out during the day, and not get assaulted!
I'm praying for you right now matey!
Think I'll look up self defence courses run in my area - might not be a bad idea!
Cheers

 

[tasha66]

Oh hey sorry Krum forgot to say so sorry re your loss.
I hope you are doing a wee bit better now

 

[laughingheart]

@laughingheart:

Wow LH how awful for you!!! What on earth did the restaurant staff do??
I am so, so sorry that people think they can just do stuff like that and get away with it - drunk or not - it is NO excuse for mandhandling men or women.
And you are putting yourself down by saying 'some people may think it isn't a big deal because you weren't punched'. He grabbed your arms and could've seriously hurt you, or damaged your arm & that is assult. Were you able to get his name from the restaurant to lay formal charges - they might know him - or see if anyone had him on film from their phone?
NOBODY - men or women - has the right to put their hands on you, for any reason whatsoever. In my case I wasn't harmed, but I realised that by returning this guy's affections, I had let it all go too far. It was a shock to say the least when he literally grabbed me in the middle of the street during the day, & hugged me so tight I could barely breathe. Some people reading this might think 'Lucky you!', but it wasn't nice or romantic at all - not like you see in the movies, where the girl swoons into the man's arms. I didn't even hug him back at first cos I was just so shocked. Even my ex-bf, whom I'd known for over 27 years, knew when to step back if he was hugging me too much, or felt like he was intruding into my space.
I'm not a naturally affectionate person as I wasn't raised like that. I didn't 'guard my heart' like I normally do. I never even go out with anyone I haven't known for a long time, and then it's only for dinner or coffee in a public place during the day. This particular man nagged & nagged & nagged me after me first met for me to go out with him 'just as friends'. But I'm so wary I just made excuses as I didn't know him so didn't feel safe going out with a stranger. I should've just told him upfront 'I don't know you so the answer is no'. I will from now on so there is no misunderstanding later on. And I NEVER apologise now, or start off by saying 'I'm sorry...' - no, I'm NOT sorry - I have nothing to apologise for if I don't want to be touched by you, or I don't want to return your affections for whatever reason.
This man has texted me wanting to know where I live at present and how I am, but I'm not texting him back, as he will then get hold of my mobile number (the police said not to contact him, as some blokes see that as encouragement). Anyway, the police can deal with it if he keeps bothering me, or I will get a restraining order. He was labile in the extreme, a liar, a drunk, a secret dope smoker, and needy as anything (though he denied that one day), and didn't know anything re boundaries. I also found out he was in massive amounts of debt, owing more than AUD $50,000.
You are right in that women are brought up to be nice, and not to come across as hard. Well, I don't care anymore, I am sick of men touching me on the tram or wherever, because they think they have that right.
No means NO as far as I'm concerned now!
Sorry you have PTSD now. I'm sure it's given you lots of nightmares.
You can personal message me if you want to chat privately as I'm in the psychiatric field, so I offer my services to you, for free of course (I do paid, online work as well).
Please try not to let one man spoil your view of everything - they aren't all drunks or violent. I was getting that way, but now I'm very slowly getting my trust back with people. FYI my ex-fiancee from years ago - not my ex-bf - turned out to be violent, so I lost alot of trust in men after that, so I DO know what you are going through.
It's a sad world when you can't even go out during the day, and not get assaulted!
I'm praying for you right now matey!
Think I'll look up self defence courses run in my area - might not be a bad idea!
Cheers

Thanks so much and I really appreciate what you had to say. The staff did nothing and that really shocked me. The next day I phoned the head office for this restaurant and they took it really seriously. We talked a couple of times and they found out the identity of the man and they said they were filing a report. I am so grateful to God that it wasn't worse and your support means a lot. Thank you.

 

[Godsgirl83]

A hug, from the right person at the right moment, can say so much without a word ever being spoken.

 

[Lady_Sunshine]

lol I like that

Appropriate hugging is important.

 

[oldethennew]

hub and I are both different kinds of 'huggers' -
he will give hugs to others occasionally, but during the day/night, gives most of them to 'me'

myself, hub would call me the 'hugger of all huggers', and they always seem to him,
so he says, appropriate, for they are always given in Christ's Love, for my Love for others
continually over-flows and the situations where they come about are so many, and I'm
always up-for-them! - giving out hugs is an action that avails itself on so many occasions
and levels in our lives, it such an intimate human-connection that each of us truly need -
ECC. 3:5.
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

the clue to embracing/hugging is connected to The Holy Spirit if is genuine...
and it's really special when we perceive that the receiver has come out of their comfort zone
and accepts it...

 

[tourist]

I was anxious and just talking and talking one time and Tourist just came up and hugged me and it was just what I needed. I calmed down right away and just rested in his arms. He didn't say a word just hugged me and it was so comforting. We will be having our 5th anniversary this November 27th it is hard to believe that much time has passed so quickly.

At times hugs are just what is needed.

Your hugs are the bestest.