1. So when I see my friend, do I have to hug them?

I feel this weird sort of anticipation when I see someone after it’s been awhile and if I have to hug them. I get clammy and kind of freaked out because I like people but I don’t feel the need to hug them.

2. I would much rather display my affection with words.

Saying things like “I missed you so much!” or “I love you” is a lot more meaningful to me than a hug in my brain

3. I get scared when someone comes in for a hug.

Do I tilt my head to the right or the left? Are my arms going up, down or one of each? What are their arms doing? How long is the hug supposed to be? How much pressure do you use to hug someone?

4. People probably think I don’t like them as much because I never initiate hugs.

Definitely not true, but I worry that I am not meeting their love language because physical contact weirds me out. If I initiate a hug it’s a rare occasion and it means I am trying really hard to meet your love language.

5. I wish I could love hugs the way other people do.

I have tried everything in the book to overcome my dislike of hugging. I hug people even though I cringe inside. I take advice from friends who love hugs and give them out freely. I must admit that I have come a long way, but I usually only hug people who I am very close to. Other people’s love for hugs is awesome, and I don’t cringe because I don’t like the person, its just cuz I feel so darn weird.

6. Even hugging my family is difficult sometimes.

I love them with my whole heart but my preference for showing them that is using my words and time with them. I do give them hugs, but they know it’s not my all time favorite thing to do to show them my love.

7. My dislike for physical touch is kind of irrational.

I don’t know why I don’t enjoy hugs very much but I work on expressing myself in other ways. I try not to be awkward and sometimes I’m not, but when I am I hope the other person doesn’t think it’s because of them.

8. I hope there are other people out there like me.

I think there are other people who dislike physical touch as much as I do. I mean, if you’re the exact opposite I’m sure there are other things you don’t like doing to show your love. But, if you’re like me maybe you can relate to how I feel about hugging. Maybe you even have more thoughts, and maybe you have more understanding to why you feel that way.

Hugs are no doubt amazing ways to display affection or appreciation. I am growing everyday and discovering new ways to appreciate hugs. When I think about it though, if I were to be able to only have a couple minutes left with someone, my first thought would be to give them a hug. So who knows, maybe deep down I really do love hugs…