At our commissary, it's customary for the bagger to take your groceries out to your car. They're not necessarily being polite; they work for tips only. Anyway, yesterday, my bagger was this 78-year-old man who went in for a "happy holidays" hug after all the bags were loaded into the trunk. And I couldn't help but feel creeped out. Nor could I help but feel obligated to hug him.
He didn't strike me as the "creepy old man" type, but I really do hate a non-relative random hug. Especially from men. I almost feel like it's a bit of an abuse on their part. Who's going to turn down something as harmless as a hug (where, incidentally, my body is pressed up against yours)? And yet I'm constantly looking for a socially polite way to do just that. "Actually, I don't hug. Avian Bone Syndrome."
Not that this post is intended to ward off all affection. If you are a man and related to me, or have known me since I was a kid or something, go on and solicit a hug! But if you're the elderly bag boy or my creepy 0ld-man neighbor (who really does try to hug me every chance he gets) then DON'T! Just don't.
7 comments:
I go with, "Oh you don't want to hug me, I'm getting over a bad cold." Sometimes at work I use that line to avoid hugs from kids (who usually have bad colds themselves).
Although other times after recess I just tell them they're sweaty and they smell bad, and that works too. Probably not the answer you're looking for though. :)
I can still remember the first stiff cold hug you gave me! :)
Fine. I will never hug you.
Wow you have me reevaluating whether or not I hugged you the last time I saw you...but you know what, creepy or not, you're getting another hug the next time i see you. And it's going to be extra long and tight. So get ready.
Ha ha. Yeah, I guess I always have been a bit of an anti-affection--even with people I like! What can I say, I'm a ball of bah humbug.
Jay and Joe, as I've known you both for many years (and as neither of you is creepy) hug away!!
Funny. I'm such a hugger, I'd hug anybody.....most likely I've hugged you too, so sorry about that if I invaded your space.
I grew up in a very huggy family and probably, culture; you know, the Italians - they hug and kiss everyone.
Based on that, I don't think I can trust a non-hugger.
But since I like you a LOT, I'll let you slide.
You clearly state in this post that people you've known your whole life are acceptable to hug. No one should feel snubbed. I love you!
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