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Did you have YOUR hug today?
by Dee Adams

Hugs just don't get enough credit! I was thinking about this recently as Valentine's Day came and went with no hug (or kiss or card) from a sweetheart. When you've been single for a long time, you tend to forget how important a simple hug can be. I have listed all the different kinds of hugs I could think of below. Maybe you can think of more.

ROMANTIC HUG...There's no mistaking this one! It usually involves both arms wrapped around you, with gentle pressure, some caressing and it lingers for a long time. I always call this one a "full-body hug". Can lead to kissing!

CHILD'S HUG...This is always a special one, and is usually the only time you get your knees hugged! Of course, if you get down to the child's level, there's nothing like those pudgy little arms wrapped around your neck to put a smile on your face!

FRIENDSHIP HUG...This can be anything from a strong, loving hug from a best friend, to a quick squeeze from someone you know casually. Either way, it's a way of communicating a variety of feelings in a friendly way.

SYMPATHY HUG...How else can you show someone that you feel their sorrow or disappointment? This hug is best used when someone needs comforting.

CONGRATULATIONS HUG...These are usually spontaneous and short-lived, but happy and warm. They can happen anywhere...sometimes in the workplace. I wonder how many romances have started from this kind of hug?

MISSED YOU HUG...This one can take your breath away (if you've been away a long time)! It also can last the longest, like you're trying to make up for lost time. It's very strong and warm and may include promises to never be apart again.

THANK YOU HUG...Usually the happiest kind of hug, but may be given in exchange for the "sympathy hug" mentioned above. The more you tend to do for people, the more of these hugs you can plan on getting.

CYBER HUG...well, I guess it's better than nothing, but you don't actually feel this one physically (which is where you get the most benefit). You get these in a variety of ways....through email, message programs and on webpages. Looks like this: ((((((Your Name)))))


And from a reader.....
Two items, under the children's hugs, which I felt sure would get mention from you were (1) the knee hug, the totally-spontaneous-on-the-child's-part hug in which the hug-ee's knees, or thereabouts, are encircled by those chubby-wonderful baby arms.  I love those!  Often followed by a (2) pick-up hug, also performed with children (for obvious reasons), whereby the hugger wraps the child in her arms, and raises the child to her face for a snuggle.  (NOT to be confused with the "armpit hug" which should never be performed on child nor beast.  How would you like to be held under your arms with the weight of your entire body dangling from those delicate, protected areas?  ..........Lisa Schorr

If you feel that you're "Hug Deficient", here are some sites where you can find some relief:
The Hugging Site
A book named "The Art of Hugging"
Send a free cyber hug!

So think about what hugs mean to you and determine if you're getting enough and giving enough! A simple HUG might be just what you need to make your day better!

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