to think that there needs to be a 'rent a hug' service

[Ohshitwhatnext]

Just that....a rent the hug service for people who have nobody to hug them. I was upset about something the other day and somebody gave me a hug. I've not had a hug for nearly ten years

I can only enjoy hugs from my child. Anyone else and I feel panicked and uncomfortable.

I was in Hebden Bridge last week and there was a man with a 'free hugs' sign. People were going up and getting hugs.

I need to get off mumsnet but this has transported me right back to being a teenager aching for a hug. It can hurt to be without physical contact.

(((( )))) from me for anyone who wants or needs one.

I'm hugging a particular colleague a lot at the moment (he has cancer) and whenever I do, he says "I love physical contact". I feel very sad for him because his wife died a few years ago.

God no.

What if your hired hugger was some smelly weirdo that you’d avoid on the train? That would happen to me.

Someone who would work as a hired hugger is unlikely to be someone I’d want hugging me.

But then I am a bit cold.

Life has been shitty for me lately and I’m counting down to my mum visiting so I can have a proper mum hug!

I hope she comes soon My mum doesn't do hugs, never has done.

But surely a hug from someone you don't love is meaningless?

If it's all that is on offer it'll do.

Join a church

Unfortunately Richard Dawkins is as devout as the pope when compared to me.

If you're near Liverpool I'll come and give you a hug.

Re church, if you find the right one you can join in with their activities without believing anything. They probably do community work, outreach, socials etc not just services.

I know this feeling im 27 and can count the hugs ive had since being a teenager on one hand. It sucks not having any kind of human contact, in fact i stopped getting bullied 10 years ago and ive had so little human contact i still flinch if people touch me or move to quickly, probably because ive not had any kind of sentimental caring human contact.

I’m dead inside but sometimes I do appreciate a good hug so I know where you’re coming from op.
It’s just the feeling that no matter how shit things are a hug-makes it all disappear, even if it’s only for a minute

Hugs to you all. I am a hugger but I'm aware some people aren't. Strangest conversation I've had was asking a fellow mum (just after we'd done a kids music class) if she was a hugger as she had looked so forlorn and stressed whilst we'd been chatting I felt a hug would help. She said she was so I was able to ask if she would like a hug. Plain (non sexual) physical contact is sadly underrated in some ways.

My family never did hugs when I was young so it's really awkward now, added to which I am much taller and bigger than my mum so it feels weird physically too.

I loved the hugs from my ex (making me cry a bit now!)

@TartedUpYard I was just about to post the exact same thing! We're a friendly bunch. us scousers!

I went up to a free bigs once and almost ended in tears it was so lovely to be hugged!
I was on my own for 9 years, and hugs was what I missed more than anything

I go across to my neighbours when I need a hug. He gives great hugs and always knows when I need one. I'm single, he's married, absolutely nothing in it other than he gives great hugs at the right time. Very comforting.

Hug services exist! They're often called cuddle therapy. Google them.

Meant to add, I saw a news feature on telly about them just the other day.

It's strange the things you take for granted, my partner and I are very huggy, we cuddle numerous times a day. And I'm from a family of huggers... My partner found it a bit odd at first to be hugged on seeing and then leaving someone on every occasion!

Ugh, I'd hate a hug from a stranger. TBH I don't like hugs, kisses or even handshakes from anyone apart from my immediate family.
I really can't stand kisses and hugs from friends. I'm warm, helpful and friendly but I do NOT want to be touched.
If someone is upset or needs a hug I'm more than happy to oblige but other than that I like to keep my distance.

Gosh I’d love to give a few of you a hug right now.

I have just left a marriage in which there was zero affection for years, and I really missed simple things like hugs. My 3 dc all used to be huggers, and now the youngest is the only one who will still touch me .

Having said that, I don’t really feel the need for hugs from anyone else. It annoys my sister who is very touchy feely, but she makes a big deal out of it and it makes me run the other way.

I was in Hebden Bridge last week and there was a man with a 'free hugs' sign. People were going up and getting hugs.

Same thing happened to me in Brussels - the man with a sign offered me a hug and I said no (politely). But I was thinking just why - on this freezing day in the middle of a square where there is a gale blowing, would I sidle up to this complete stranger. Surrounded by tourists. Why .

even a hug from a smelly stranger would do right now.
sadly i'm not near Liverpool, not even in the same country.

I think it is a brilliant idea. Lol

What a lovely idea!

🤗 Sending you a massive virtual hug OP!! 🤗

Ginis! What a fab neighbour! Think we should all campaign for a hugs from your neighbours thread. Anyway free hugs here for anyone who needs one ( or 2 ).

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