What if you don't want to be hugged?

[Lucidas]

I dread the forthcoming social awkwardness as people go about their own 'lockdown easing' in different ways, and some interpret 'you can hug as 'you must hug'. With close family etc it's fine, but meeting up with random groups of friends is probably going to be a constant exercise in negotiation. Physical greetings (and what they look like) are often painful enough in the UK without adding an extra layer of covid uncertainty.

Just say no thank you

Oh come on, don't be ridiculous.

You wouldn't have enveloped your boss or the pub landlord in a bear hug before a pandemic so why would you expect that now?

It's hardly going to be negotiations.

Just say no, like surely you always have.
I'm not a general hugger and Dd hates it, unless on her terms.

Most people know that I don't like to be touched. And that I'm likely to freak.out if they try and hug me.

Has been nice not to have to explain I have autism and I'm not cringing because the person trying to hug me.smells. but still, I've regularly had to explain "no I can't wear a mask, not even for 5minutes, I'm autistic with sensory processing disorder, see the way my hand is flicking/I'm hitting myself in the head/rocking, that's because everyone around me I wearing a mask and I'm going in to overload"

Don't get me started on handshakes...will they make a return? shudder

Some people will definitely get overexcited and start enveloping all and sundry in big bear hugs.

My face speaks before my mouth so no one will come near me 😂 I’m not a hugger and most people know that!!

Maybe change there incoming hug to a high five!

What is with all these weird threads about hugging?! If you don’t want to hug someone then don’t, no one is forcing you! I never hug anyone

I'm a hugger but DS has just found out there is a Covid case in his year group. With it still so close to home I will definately holding off a while longer

I hate hugging people I don't know very well and I'm really hoping the kissing on both cheeks doesn't make a return. I will be standing back and telling people I'm not ready for that

Just start coughing if anyone makes any sign of going to hug you.

I'm not a hugger and people just seem to know, I must just give off non huggy vibes. People didn't try to hug me before and I'm sure they won't now.

Maybe raise your hand to indicate you don't wish to be hugged if you think someone is going to try? ✋

There will be a while new covid semaphore soon.

whole

One of the most sensible threads on this board today. Well done OP. I am dreading the hugging. Only people I want physically contact with are my husband and children.

Happy for those that have missed or enjoy it though ❤

I'd bet most of the previously unwanted hugs were from middle aged or older men.

I'll be back to flinching and shrieking "Get away from me"

I hate hugging!

But I am happy for those of you for whom it is a nice thing!

As someone who love, loves, LOVES hugging people I’m so happy!!!

Um.... if you've never been a hugger in the first place even before 'Rona existed, surely you'll just go back to being what it was like before?!
I mean, I'm not a hugger either but I doubt those who are are suddenly going to leap on everything that moves the minute they're "allowed" to

Haha- love PP suggestion of coughing loudly 😂

How did you cope not liking hugs prior to covid OP? I’m not a huge hugger but I don’t mind a brief hello and goodbye from friends.. to be honest, hugs are hardly horrible. It’s just something I accept in life, people are hugging you cos they care & are being nice!

Do the elbow bump thing if you think someone is going to hug you (or want to shake your hand).

It’s still feel much you can ie finally hug your grandparents. Not hug every friend you may see in a week. I don’t think many people will be doing it just for the sake of.

Physical greetings (and what they look like) are often painful enough in the UK without adding an extra layer of covid uncertainty

Oh god yes! I cringe when Brits try to do the kiss on both cheeks thingy that the French & Italians do.

@GCAcademic

Just start coughing if anyone makes any sign of going to hug you.

Yep!

I have been know to cough this year in the school playground if one of the more jelly fish like mums are heading my way

Just deal with it exactly as you did pre covid. Simple