Anyone else hate unasked for hugs?

[Babysharkdoodoodood]

Saying goodbye at work for the Xmas and one of my managers (male) came over and gave me a hug, whilst I did the constipated penguin dance. 'Don't do hugs then?' he says. Gave me a brilliant present though.

Later in the pub, I decided to shoot off after a quick half, as they were deciding the order of the pub crawl (no thanks). Went to the bar to say my goodbyes and again, another (male) colleague went in for the hug and I didn't move fast enough so more penguin dancing.

My brother does it as well. Suddenly lunges for a hug out of the blue, then knuckles my head and generally takes the mickey.

I do hugs when I know it's going to be reciprocated and when it's expected. I just hate the sudden lunge and polar bear grips when I barely know the person (except brother, but he's a wind up merchant).

I've never had it with other women either. So weird.

Or maybe I'm just a grumpy menopausal, middle aged misery?

I really hoped we'd done with all the hugging during the covid era, but DHs sister insisted on starting again asap (even though it's obviously not gone and there are plenty of other bugs about). She says 'Are we allowed to hug now?' 'Am I allowed to hug you?' as if saying 'What? No!' is the height of cruelty. She will even kiss people if she can, like my aging aunts used to do. She and her DH obviously know I don't like it, but that seems to make them more insistent. They're 'We know better' posh types, so my opinion doesn't count obv. I just go along, it's actually more socially awkward not to and we don't see them that often. Partly because of the hugging and the knowing better...

Ugh that is worse than a 'front' hugger, and a stranger. So over familiar - I'm cringing for you!

Yes, can't abide anyone (apart from my kids) standing too close either

I had this conversation with DH recently. He is a hugger. So am I, if it's him, DD or my parents or very close, long standing friends. Colleagues of the opposite sex - one million per cent no thank you. I think since that conversation he will rethink his approach!