Let's start hugging someone today

Elgin Taylor

HUGGING!

Hmm!

Nice topic some would claim that conjures up all sorts of pleasant things in people's minds. Most of us hug others and like to be hugged in return, while others may avoid an invasion of their space, or anything that would give them a mushy feeling.

In our Jamaican culture, women tend to be more 'huggy huggy' than men. In fact, it may be safe to assume that many Jamaican men gave and got more hugging when they were infants.

But what is it, and is there any benefit to be derived from this activity which seems to come naturally for some, and is a drudgery for others?

Well, according to Wikipedia, a hug is defined as "a form of physical intimacy, not necessarily sexual, that usually involves closing or holding the arms around another person, or groups of persons. A hug is one of the most common human signs of love and affection. One study has shown that hugs increase levels of the chemical, oxytocin, which reduces blood pressure."

Reports also state that for one to receive the beneficial aspect of oxytocin there has to be an element of trust, meaning there should be mutual consent.

Types of hugging
There are several types of hugging being practised around the world. Here are a few: the bear hug, the man hug, the side hug, A-frame hug and the hand hug (handshake). The bear hug is perhaps the closest of them all. It involves body to body, thigh to thigh and toe to toe embrace that leaves not even the slightest chance of even a glimmer of light passing between the participants.

The A-frame hug is said to be used mostly on social occasions. Huggers stand about a foot apart leaned towards each other ending with only an embrace with the shoulders. Church sisters often hug their church brothers in this manner. The man hug involves the grasping of the hands in a handshake and as both men pull towards each other their shoulders and chests touch with the hands still clasped providing a buffer between them. They may also slap each other on the back while in the embrace. The side hug (otherwise termed the Christian side hug) involves the hugging around the waist or shoulders of the participants while sitting or standing. Some Jamaican men touch or clasp hands or fingers then embrace by the shoulders while greeting their counterparts.

A year ago an article in The New York Times reported that hugging was spreading like wild-fire among students on some school campuses, and that it had replaced the handshake and high five forms of greeting. Girls were hugging boys and vice versa, boys were hugging boys, and girls were hugging girls. Some schools were reported to have instituted a 'three-second hug' in order to minimise the loss of time by the students. Reports also stated that in some cases school administrators have banned hugging altogether through fear of sexual harassment charges arising from the practice.

Hugging in cyberspace
The hugging phenomenon has not been spared in cyberspace as the practice is very popular on most of the social networks. Persons engage in the habit of sending hugs virtually on a daily basis to their friends and families. So does this work? Is it the same as seeing and hugging someone in person? It may not be the same but it is reassuring to participants to know that someone out there cares for them. A website called Hugology is even available for persons interested in spreading the joy of hugging.

Ahh, hugging; it is a tax-free and a socially and psychologically rewarding activity, be it just a friendly gesture, or for passionate and compassionate reasons. Jamaicans have been hugging but there is always room for improvement. Let's start in our neighbourhood or places of work by hugging someone today.