Hugging now seems to be the universal greeting for most humans. It seems like this happened somewhere around the year 2000, or perhaps that’s just when I started noticing it.
Growing up, there wasn’t a lot of hugging going on. I am not sure if we were just a rigid family, or if I just blocked it out. In any case, sometimes I am still caught off guard with a sudden embrace as a greeting.
I am just an awkward human in general. I have always been a bit clumsy, floppy, fidgety, twitchy, and just not relaxed in social settings. This is why I used to drink a lot. I slowly learned that that just amplified everything, so definitely not the answer.

Social Awkwardness: Hugging
What I am left with now is a few different scenarios. None of which result in a normal hug.
- Guy taller than me: Face in armpit.
When a tall guy gives me a hug, I faceplant right into his armpit or shoulder. It never fails. And I never cease to be horrified when I glance at the area where I landed to find a makeup smear or other evidence that I cannot pull it together. - Guy my height: I am pretty short, so this hasn’t happened yet.
I can only guess that I would probably headbutt the poor lad. - Girl my height: Eat some hair.
If a girl the same height as me comes in for a hug I will probably step away with her hair in my mouth or attached to my lip gloss. - Girl taller than me: Nosedive into a boob.
There’s no smooth way to recover from an unintentional boob graze. Especially with your face.
Now to make things even more awkward, I just automatically hug people whether that was their plan or not.
I figure if I am the one to go in first that I will be less awkward. Then I say something like, “I am a hugger!” to make things even more weird. That’s also a lie because I’m clearly not a hugger.
Ah, life. This is why I am so content to sit here with my animals behind the screen!
Does hugging come naturally to you? Or can you relate to my social awkwardness?
Sarah L
Tuesday 2nd of September 2014
I like hugging. Always have, but I'm careful to note whether the person wants to be hugged or not.
Michele P
Tuesday 2nd of September 2014
had to chuckle when I read your post... I feel the same way, we didn't hug much growing up it was reserved for those long lost relatives who only showed up at your door every 5 years or so and you had to pretend you were glad to see them. lol. Nowadays, everyone is into hugging even if you just saw them 3 hours ago.... not sure when it all started but I've also had some awkward situations with hugging because I'm so short
Emily
Monday 25th of August 2014
I hug. I haven't had too many of these, but being 5'9 I wonder if other people felt this way!
Lisa
Sunday 24th of August 2014
Ha - this is hilarious! I'm not a big hugger unless it's my kids - personal bubble kinda thing. ;)
Daisy
Sunday 24th of August 2014
I am not a hugger at all. I love my personal space. The only exception is my baby and husband. While I am not the biggest fan of hugs, I'm OK with them, but the cheek kiss and double cheek kiss bothers me.