In any type of social situation where people are mingling and greeting, it can be very embarrassing to end up with the hugger that is in it for the long haul. If you really must hug, follow a simple two second rule. As soon as your arms wrap around the other person start counting – 1 and 2 –then release and step at least one pace back. Not only does a short but meaningful hug show your affection but it also stops raised eyebrows from other members of the group. In addition the stepping back really helps those of us with personal boundary issues.
In this picture Inspector in Carlos Gallone inmortalized embracing and pressing a mother's head against his chest during a manifestation of Madres de Plaza de Mayo in 1982 .
Inthe picture grandson number 101 Francisco Madariaga Quintela son of Silvia Mónica Quintela and Abel Pedro Madariaga, hugged by his grandfather in a reunion after 32 years ignoring his real identity.
Not to be too obvious, but sometimes there are really good reasons why someone shouldn't be close to someone else. I absolutely detest when someone that has been outside in the hot summer sun suddenly wants to come up and give a hug. Maybe if they would do it with their arms down it might be better, but somehow this never happens.
Although the old sniff test is rarely something huggers seem to use, please do it frequently and drop back to a handshake or a simple "Hi" if you think you don't pass.
