[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.

[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)

[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!

[Jedidah]

Wonderful thread.

Love it that hugging seems to be the big controversy of the morning. May it continue indefinately.

[envisio]

>>>Experts have been consulted to delve into what this threat of teenage hugging is all about.<<<<<

Good Lord

[Palmetto]

I like a good boob crush as much as the next guy, but jeez people, I’m an American. I like my space. Stay the freak outta my space.

[Squidpup]

[Ditter]

I am not a indiscriminate hugger, close friends and family only. I have some Dutch friends and they are into cheek kissing with a hug. I don't want anyone putting their face up against mine, first one side and then the other. Passing germs is all they are doing. Every time they come back from Holland, they came back sick. Holland must be one of the most germ filled places on earth and they are constantly passing them around.

[Redcloak]

My now “tween” daughter and her friends have been greeting each other with hugs since they were tiny. I don’t quite see how this is new.

[Tijeras_Slim]

It's a slippery slope for sure!

[sweet_diane]

I noticed this trend with my daughter and her friends, male and female. After graduation it was a major hugfest! lol From the years they've been 'hanging out' at my house I can see they legitimately care about each other. I even get a few hugs in greeting. :)

I have to wonder if alot of kids are making up for the lack of attention, two parents, love etc they should be receiving at home. My daughter can count on one hand, with fingers to spare, the friends she has that don't have divorced/single parents! One parent, after graduation, congratulated me because "our work is over!"... I said "I think it's just begun!". lol