RE: What are the benefits of hugging?
I have to admit I'm not a "huggy person", and it's not because I don't want to be. It's something that started in my late childhood, and I think it's because I was very ill as a small child, on and off over years, and I think I may subconsciously associate hugging with being sick, dependent and a victim.
My parents picked up on this and although they've always been wonderful, caring and sensitive towards our feelings, they made quite an issue of my dislike of hugs, which made me even more self-conscious about it. My grandma was a great hugger though. I'm happy to hug friends as a greeting or when they're feeling upset, but I rarely initiate hugs because I've become used to it getting a big reaction.
I did suffer from a stomach bug over the past week, but before that I hadn't been ill for a year, so I don't think it has a detrimental effect on my health! Though I'm sure hugging – in the right situation – is good for you.
How do you respond to animals? Those nerves I was talking about fire up in contact with anything or anyone, it does not have to be a person and yes it can even be yourself gently touching your arm. Sure, it is better when someone else does it but there is a reason why we automatically put our hand and gently rub the part of our body that is hurting. I believe that these nerves have a lot to do with it too. Psychologically speaking, associating hugging with victim mentality can be considered an issue so you should probably work on that and it is a vicious circle when you start being self-conscious about not liking huggs. My hubby is not a huggy person either but we are slowly (12 years and counting hihi) working on it and introducing 4 hugs a day. The important part is that you do not feel pressured to do what you do not like doing and as long as you are fine with something than it should be fine with others too. Like I have said in the post, we are different and what is normal for one may seem crazy to another. You will hug or hug more when you will want to or have a desire to and as long as you are enjoying your social life and relationships with other humans, this is really not a problem at all so you have nothing to worry about. 💚
Yes I love cuddling dogs and cats - though some dogs and cats don't like to be patted. Collies often don't. But yes it's something I need to work on.