I'm not talking about the quick hug hello (although that can be very nice indeed), and I'm definitely not talking about the "social hug". You know, the one people give away like a handshake, the one that doesn't mean anything, that's just the habit in certain circles - the hug equivalent of the air kiss.
No, this is the hug someone gives you when they really mean it. It's the kind of hug you might get from a good friend, a parent or a lover; a squeeze that brings with it plenty of affection and an inexplicable sense of comfort. It can say:
-I'm so glad you're here;
- Your friendship is important to me and I love you;
- I'm sorry you're having a hard day;
-It's going to be ok;
- I don't know if it's going to be ok, but I'm here for you;
-I'm sorry;
-Congratulations!
-I think you're amazing;
-I love you;
-I love you;
-I love you;
-Just because.
The best thing that happened to me today was getting a hug, from someone who just knew I needed one. It was a little thing, and it cost nothing, but it meant a lot to me. It was an anchor, something to hold on to when I felt like I was about to be swept away in the current of circumstances beyond my control. And I feel blessed today, because of a hug.
I agree! And good to know you like them - my 'social hugs' tend to be a compromise between wanting to hug someone (default setting) and not wanting to impose on them if they're not tactile types. Nice to know where I stand with you!
ReplyDeleteAlso you're so right about tube announcers. I have a private love for the guards and drivers on the overground trains I use; they always do such a good job so quietly - and haven't yet annoyed me by going on strike ;) I tend to have a crafty pray for them as I pass the cab at Waterloo...
I'm always up for a hug - giving and receiving! Hug, arm-stroking, whatever you like :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I always say a little word for the overground train people too. Especially when I catch someone being rude/difficult with them. It would just be so much nicer if people were nicer to one another!