Hugaphobic

Everyone has things they wish they were better at. Mine include: singing, dancing, volleyball, surfing, not being bossy, and hugging. Yes…. hugging. I am in no way a touchy, feely, huggy person. I like my personal space, and I just assume others do to.

I used to dread the end of a date. On the ride home I would think please please pleeeeeease just drop me off and stay in your car. No need for awkward conversation to the door followed by an awkward hug. And only a hug because no way am I kissing you after you showed me your knitting collection or told me about your career goals to do professional puppet shows. Do you do the opposite one arm up, one arm down hug? The I’m shorter than you so I’ll hug your tummy and you get the top of my head hug? Or the high school dance hug? No matter what you decide to do, your date will always choose a different one. But no hug in the selection of hugs tops the awkwardness of the front seat car hug. Two people forced to be facing the same direction, divided by arm rests, and attempting to hug while staying seated. You don’t even have time to figure out if you’re supposed to lean your head to the left or right, and before you know it the hug has turned into a game of chicken with your faces. I’m so glad I’m not dating anymore.

I was chatting with someone the other day that tends to always stand inches from my face when having a conversation. I found myself backing away as she talked because I could hear her just as well a few feet back, and when standing at a safe distance you don’t have to take the risk of a bad breath encounter. Mid-sentence she grabbed my arm. I jumped as if her fingers were smoldering hot fire pokers or something.

Get out of my bubble please.

Chances are unless you’re family or my closest friends and we’ve hugged, I felt weird about it. My husband on the other hand is the touchiest, huggiest guy ever. It’s just natural to him, and it’s just natural to me to keep my distance (not to him of course). I don’t want to be uptight and weird….. but apparently I am haha. I’m not sure how one goes about improving their hugging skills. Hugging lessons?

11 comments:

Lindsay said...

I'm such an awkward hugger. And I feel like everyone I know hugs to say "hello". Ughhhh!! I'm down for hugging lessons if you find them ;)

Anna said...

So funny. Mike always makes fun of me for being AWFUL at goodbyes. I'm SUCH an awkward hugger.

Whim Wham Life said...

Haha! Hugging lessons! Hmmm...Just start off slowly with your hubby/closest friends. Hug hello and hug goodbye. That's about all I got:-) You're too cute! xoxo

Mary Nevin said...

This had me cracking up the whole time!!! I am awful at hugging, oh it's so nice to know that i'm not alone in the awkward hilarity :)

Mandy said...

With you all the way--I am not a hugger--unfortunately I live in the south--land of huggers!--lived here six years still can't get the hang of it--I say "embrace" heehee your non-hugging style!

Kaelea said...

I think you have to just go for it! It's when you hesitate that it gets awkward! I LOVE hugging!!

Kristen Victoria said...

awww see i'm a total hugger... i think it depends a lot on whether the family you grew up in were huggers. i remember when i first met my in laws i went in for a hug and it was totally awkward... lol. i do have people get all up in my personal space.. back off dude!

Unknown said...

Now I feel like we've had an awkward moment. Because I'm a hugger...I know I've probably hugged you. :/ Sorry for the awkwardness. Good thing you're cool. ;)

Giselle Rasheta said...

Hahaha...I'd say you have a pretty good coach at your disposal.

You wouldn't last married into a hispanic family... you get to hug AND KISS every person when you meet them, say hello, say goodbye, enter a room, leave a room, etc. Yep. Every person. In the room. Maybe the shock of it would break you of your hugaphobia?? I'll let you come to the next family party if your really want. :)

Kimberlee said...

Ohhh, I'm a hugger. I love to hug. My sister though, a non-hugger just like you. Cracks me up. She has a bit of a panic attack when she has to go through a line at a wedding and hug the bride and groom.

Jessica said...

I've never been the hugging type. The only person I ever remember hugging on a regular basis was my grandmother when she was alive.

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