Hugging is pretty common among people these days and everyone seems to be at ease with this gesture. Everyone, except for ME. Yes, that’s right, hugging isn’t my strong suit. I tend to clam up and not know what to do. I fail to understand the people who stand holding ‘Free Hug’ signs. Who would voluntarily give out hugs to random strangers? I can’t even hug my friends properly! Here are some of the hug-struggles I face on a regular basis:
Embrace/Assault?
This usually occurs when I meet certain people (hint: relatives) after a very long time. They fit into the category of regular huggers so they tend to grab, crush bones, swing around and then finally release. You don’t get the opportunity to do much as you’re the one being battered lovingly so you just smile meekly and wait for it to end. Hello aunty ji. Let me breathe aunty ji.
Where do I look
Since my hugging skills are very poor, there was a time when I considered practicing. I would try and hug as many of my friends as I could. Unfortunately that didn’t work out so well. A majority of the hugs ended up with both of us just looking at each other first then looking away with half smiles and eventually backing away quietly (aagh the embarrassment).
You’re sweaty
I cannot comprehend how people are able to jump up and down with glee and hug each other in the summer. I just don’t understand it. Many times, I have had to hug people in peak Delhi summer or even worse when it’s humid! Trust me, it isn’t fun when you start sweating ON another person. People please, let’s maintain the distance in summers and meet in winter.
Taller People
I’m like to think of myself as a tall girl so I don’t face this problem regularly. But there are always few people who are taller and love to flaunt that fact. They come towards you with arms wide open, literally looking down at you and then hug you. Your face reaches their chest and you’re hugging their lower back. The only physical feature you were proud of goes right out the window in these situations.
Robotic Hug
What’s worse than being an awkward hugger? Having to hug someone who is equally (if not more) awkward! The whole process is full of shudders and grimaces. Neither of you wants to be touched and it is clear by your expressions. When you finally do, it’s like two robots trying their best to be human. Hello, I am a living person, I swear. Ugh.
