To be gutted hugs are back!

[Zerowillpower]

Just a quick one (light hearted). I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a fan of physical contact, I’m a bit of a germ freak (pre covid) and also have loved the fact my newborn baby hasn’t had to be passed round all and sundry like my first baby!! Obv hate covid! But for me the great thing about it is people washing their hands more, no one using my bathroom and not having to physically touch anyone!! I’m also someone who doesn’t like to offend so not a lot of people know about the fact that I’d rather not touch them or be touched. Just heard we can hug again from 17th May- arghhhh!!! Anyone with me or am I a freak on my own?!?!

Well I'm thinking red lanyard with big black writing on it that says either "NO HUGS THANKS" or "DO NOT HUG ME" or "GET BACK!!!" with a little no hugging sign on the hard holder 🤷🏼‍♀️

I quite like the "GET BACK!!" one personally.

I like “No hugs thanks’.

This

Ahem....

I’m with you OP! One of my least favourite parts of family get togethers is all the hugging and air kissing, especially when there are other in laws there that you don’t know, so I’m not sure where to draw the line.

And leaving is even worse! When I’ve decided it’s time to go it takes DP another half hour going round everyone saying his goodbyes and friendly hugs and handshakes all round. I prefer to just duck out and hope nobody notices

I think a big all encompassing wave to everyone should do it. Almost make a big deal of saying hello and using your waving hand as a shield to stop any incoming hugs!

Here you go. I can get these made and sell them on my website lol!!

I’m also really hoping hand shaking doesn’t make a comeback - all those men who don’t wash their hands after using the loo, spreading their germs about left right and centre. Gross! When DP gets in from work I’m always really conscious of where his hands have been [boak]. Covid has been a welcome relief in a lot of ways

@MarkRuffaloCrumble

I’m also really hoping hand shaking doesn’t make a comeback - all those men who don’t wash their hands after using the loo, spreading their germs about left right and centre. Gross! When DP gets in from work I’m always really conscious of where his hands have been [boak]. Covid has been a welcome relief in a lot of ways

Yes the thought of the return of clammy handshakes is not a nice one. 🤮

I've been quite happy to keep everyone out of my personal space, I intend to continue

@MarkRuffaloCrumble arghhh yes this too. Just before covid hit in the uk, Jan/Feb 2020, I went on a training day and one of the activities we had to do involved running round shaking hands with everyone in the room (can’t remember why now) - there was about 150 in the room. Made me want to vomit.

Another one hoping handshaking doesn't come back, ever.

@WhoWants2Know

Even when it's not forced, there are situations where there is social pressure to hug. I know a few people who don't seem able to greet anyone by any other way, and if I say no, I look standoffish.

Yes, there are times when you can't say no. I live on the continent and outside Covid times, the usual greeting is an air kiss and pressing the cheek. You can't just recoil and say no so yes, it's more or less compulsory. Sometimes even if you extend a hand to shake hands instead, it will be ignored and a kiss is forced on you.

Having said that, I voted YANBU because of your germ obsession and not wanting other people to use your toilet.

Shaking hands is totally different. It's not as personal at all.

@Gwenhwyfar

Shaking hands is totally different. It's not as personal at all.

It is IMO especially when they are subjecting your hands to their sweating palms.

I don’t do touching, everyone I know knows this, I tend to make sure I’m holding something in situations where people may go in for a handshake.

"It is IMO especially when they are subjecting your hands to their sweating palms. sad"

When you shake hands, you don't enter the other person's space. A bit of sweat from someone's hand won't normally do you any harm.

@Gwenhwyfar

"It is IMO especially when they are subjecting your hands to their sweating palms. sad"

When you shake hands, you don't enter the other person's space. A bit of sweat from someone's hand won't normally do you any harm.

I don't want anyone in my space or their sweat on me ideally. It is also quite possible for someone shaking hands to enter your space if they are that way inclined.

I think no touching at all is the best way.

I'm hoping that once masks are less in use perhaps we can all just enjoy smiling at each other. I miss faces. I don't miss clammy hands.

@Snorkelface

I'm hoping that once masks are less in use perhaps we can all just enjoy smiling at each other. I miss faces. I don't miss clammy hands.

Yes, that will be nice, to see facial expressions again. And wear lipstick!

I'm sad lockdown is coming to an end, no one currently judges my extreme introverted nature and now it will go back to how it was. Booooo!

I'm not a hugger and have got to an age where I'm comfortable just saying "that's not for me!" When people come at me.

@Goshitstricky - I try to have things in my hands (phone, bag etc) to dodge the handshake. I find dodging the hugs harder.