Who Needs A Hug?

Today is National Hugging Day!!  Found some tidbits on hugging you may want to use to impress your friends!  By the way, It's is going to be extremely cold this weekend. Here is just another way to share the warmth!

The Many Details of Hugging

A hug is a form of physical intimacy, that usually involves closing or holding the arms around the neck or waist of another person or group of persons, referred to as a group hug. A hug, sometimes in association with a kiss, eye contact or other gestures, is a form of nonverbal communication. Depending on culture, context and relationship, a hug can indicate familiarity, love, affection or friendship.

• Unlike some other forms of physical intimacy, when both parties mutually engage in the act, a hug can be practiced publicly and privately without stigma in many countries, religions and cultures, within families, and also across age and gender lines, but is generally an indication that people are familiar with each other. An unexpected hug can be regarded as an invasion of a person's personal space, but if it is reciprocated it is an indication that it is welcome.
• One person can hug another as a indication of support, comfort and consolation. A hug can be a demonstration of affection and emotional warmth, sometimes arising out of joy or happiness at meeting someone. Sometimes, hugs are a romantic exchange.
• Hugging has been proven to have health benefits. One study has shown that hugs increase levels of oxytocin, and reduce blood pressure.
• Unlike a kiss, a hug is not usually undertaken as part of a ritual or social act. However, it is a custom in Latin American countries for male friends to hug (as well as slap each other on the back) in a joyous greeting, such as on a New Year. A similar hug, usually accompanied with a kiss on the cheek, is also becoming a custom among Western women to convey a joyous greeting and sorrowful parting. Also, in recent years it has become a practice amongst some teenage girls to greet and farewell each other with a hug. In May 2009, the New York Times reported that "the hug has become the favorite social greeting when teenagers meet or part these days" in the United States. A number of schools in the United States have issued bans on hugs, which in some cases have resulted in student-led protests against these bans.
• In the Roman Catholic rite of the Holy Mass a hug may be substituted for a kiss or handshake during the kiss of peace ritual.
• Also a person, especially a child, may caress and hug a doll or stuffed animal. Nature lovers demonstrate their strong attitudes by hugging a tree.
• Several cultures do not embrace as a sign of affection or love, such as the Himba in Namibia