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5 Ways To Politely Reject A Hug

For when you're all about that personal space, but don't want to come off as a jerk.

Gabby Manna

Dec 27, 2017

University of Connecticut

9236

Unsplash

So you don't like hugs...

WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!?!?!

Just kidding. That's perfectly valid! You have every right to reject a hug from someone... but you still probably should try to not sound like a jerk when you do it.

Here are five ways to politely tell someone to please stop going in for that hug.

1. Pretend to be sick

Honestly, this works like a charm. It might be a lie but… who cares?

2. Say you’re sweaty

At the risk of making yourself seem gross... say you haven’t managed to get in the shower yet after a work-out, or you’ve been working in the sun all day. If it’s winter, say your layers are making you sweat. If the person has any respect for their own hygiene, they’ll probably stop going in for that hug.

3. Offer an alternative

If someone is going in for a hug, and you’re just not comfortable with that, offer something else. A high-five, a pat on the back, a handshake – whatever you’re okay with.

4. Pretend to not notice and just happen to turn away right then...

It might be obvious, but even if it is, they’ll probably get the picture.

If you try one of these and it doesn't work, or if you just want to be honest --

5. Just tell them “Thanks, but I’m just not a hugger.”

If you’re going to be this blunt, just make sure that you don’t make it sound personal. Don’t say “I don’t want to hug you” because that might make the person think there’s something wrong with them. Make sure they know this is just how you are, and you have nothing against them.

And if they go in for the hug before you can reject it, or ignore your request...

Tell them to F the F off! Not cool, man. Don't let them disrespect your personal space.

...Or if you’re not as savage as me, just back away and tell them you’d rather not.

Sometimes people’s ways of showing affection are different, but you should be courteous of the other person no matter which side of the spectrum you fall on.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Ways To Politely Reject A Hug

For when you're all about that personal space, but don't want to come off as a jerk.

1. Pretend to be sick

2. Say you’re sweaty

3. Offer an alternative

4. Pretend to not notice and *just happen* to turn away right then...

5. Just tell them “Thanks, but I’m just not a hugger.”

And if they go in for the hug before you can reject it, or ignore your request...

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"I'm hopeless and awkward and desperate for love"

1. That Time He Tested Out His Flirting Skills and This Happened

2. When He Was Willing to Do Anything to Avoid Confrontation

3. When He Couldn't Handle Awkward, Emotional Situations

4. How He Reacted Whenever His Friends Ignored Him

5. All of the Times He Worried About His Failing Love Life

6. Whenever He Tried to Whip Himself Into Shape

7. How He Handled New People and New Experiences

8. Whenever His Friends Got Annoying, He Was Always the Voice of Reason

9. He Always Knew How to Jam

10. He Finds a Way to Make Any Situation More Fun

No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

4. Pretend to not notice and just happen to turn away right then...

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