Needless hugging?’ What will teens think of next?

Dayton Daily News ^ | June 10, 2009 | D.L. Stewart

[FreeManWhoCan]

At a convention the other day I saw a sign forbidding "Free Hugs". I was left wondering "What is up with that?"

[angcat]

My daughters school banned hugging this year. They said that it was nice to have a generation of huggers but don't do it in school.

[domenad]

Hugging is the main form of boobal contact for most late middle school/early high school guys. I was a huge fan.

[LongElegantLegs]

“13 is the new 18.”

What does that mean?

[mnehring]

This sounds like pretty much everyone I know. We have a big convention for our company and everyone is all huggy, even the VPs are passing them out.. it is a Southern thing.. I’m not a hug type person so it is awkward but I understand it.

[rarestia]

This is asinine. After numerous personal protection classes, I’ve become comfortable enough to say “No, you are in my space, please back up.”

I hug my family members (male or female) and my very close friends, but I would probably sucker punch someone who tried to hug me instead of offering a firm handshake.

What happened the firm handshake, anyway? It used to be a sign of confidence and a signal to the other person that you either mean business or are a pushover.

[subterfuge]

Frankly I’m sick of all the hugging. Even my 50 yo friends do it all the damn time.

[proxy_user]

Firm handshakes are for secure, self-confident adults.

If you are 16 physically and 6 emotionally, you need a hug.

[LongElegantLegs]

Or a fist-bump...

[Huck]

Isn’t it yet another case of white kids immitating black culture? Hip-hoppers have been doing the hug for years.

[The Flying Dutchman]

I’m torn, seriously.

The idea of hugging is wonderful, and a display of fellowship and affection. But I can also appreciate the close social contact and loss of boundaries arguement.

I am inclined to err on the side of the hug.

[Vision]

I must be missing out on the explosion of hugging.

Not seeing any more hugging than normal.

[SolidWood]

I saw a sign forbidding "Free Hugs"

I wouldn't refuse, depending on who offers the hug.;o)

[Tijeras_Slim]

Inflation everywhere.

[FreeManWhoCan]

Here in Miami, when I offer my hand for a handshake, I sometimes get an odd look from people. So much as changed.

[The Flying Dutchman]

What happened the firm handshake, anyway? It used to be a sign of confidence and a signal to the other person that you either mean business or are a pushover.

THAT is a very good reminder, thank you.

[Tijeras_Slim]

If they try this at work I can see many dead bodies.

[stuartcr]

Sounds like an excellent way to get teens to do exactly what you don’t want them to do. Are they allowed to touch other students at all?

[Erik Latranyi]

I missed out on this when I went to school.

[444Flyer]

Huggings all great until a flu pandemic is declared by the WHO...hey, wait a minute!