Don't remember how I started thinking on it (once I did searching the forum lead me here) but at first I thought my issue was that I simply don't like hugs, and that I hug people merely because its what they wanted or expected, that I was doing it simply to make them comfortable. Remembered a couple times where that isn't the case. (Not all that thrilled about a couple memories... damn it, good hug, bad memory...)
KBABZ wrote:
I totally enjoy hugs, given the correct timing. If I've just had an argument with my Dad, the LAST thing I want is for him to come in and apologise, much less have him console me physically. Makes me want to run away and break something.
steelback wrote:
It's not that I don't like to be touched, or hugged. The problem I have is with touching others. I know that people often hug each other, to show them how much they care. But I'm afraid to hug other people, because I don't want to make them uncomfortable. We all go through that period in our childhood where we don't want people, like our parents, to hug or kiss us. But I can't seem to get past that feeling, so that I can feel free to touch other people. I think that being able to touch someone is essential for a relationship, especially when your verbal skills are inadequate, and I think that's the biggest reason I've never been able to establish a romantic, physical relationship with a woman. It's very frustrating.
The above basically sums up things for me. I think, upon some reflection, that I really do enjoy hugs. They have to be done "right." The situation has to be right, the person has to be right, the "amount" has to be right, otherwise it just seems really awkward. I've gotten to where I'm pretty ok with giving a hug, if I know its expected, but I still don't enjoy doing it. The few chances I've had just to, idunno, hold someone / be held (specifically member of the opposite sex that I'm interested in) I've really enjoyed it. Past that, eh, idunno, I'm not sure I can confidently say I know
when hugs are a good thing. I'm sure there are times, I just don't recognize them allt he time.