Quote:
Originally Posted by Laneco
I hug everyone I know and like (and who is at least reasonably comfortable with the idea). I pet every dog that approaches me, too... Also talk to strangers. A lot.
What are you gonna do? Some of us are just wired that way! 
angela |
Me too. I think that it's partially a regional thing, and maybe more common with some ethnic groups than others. I grew up in Minnesota, very Scandinavian/German/Polish and men definitely did not hug back then. I don't think they even hugged their women or children. I have good friends whose dads have never told them that they love them. Ever.
So I move to Los Angeles 30 years ago and start noticing that a lot of people are quite a bit more affectionate and expressive. I always thought that it was "black thing" that is gradually moving whiteward, apparently it is just reaching Texas now. Although it took some adjusting, I really like it. Of course you can tell when someone is not the hugging type, in that case, I just shake their hand, (or if it's someone I don't really know or like). Women are very affectionate here in general, I think that it's usually pretty genuine and spontaneous when people greet someone they really like or love--the hug is almost irrepressible.
I hug men like they're my long-lost brother if I like them and they are also "huggers". I've never thought it gay, but then I don't think that there is something wrong with being gay. I hug gay guys, if they're my friend and I like them. I really love my friends. I ran into Mike Tyson last weekend after not seeing him for a couple years, we were hugging like a couple of fruits and he held my hand in his for a long time like my grandma used to when I was a kid. If someone thinks that's odd, oh well...
I'd love to meet you, Angela, and get one of your hugs.
