Have you been to the International arrivals terminal at an airport recently? Quite often you’ll see the sign holders and the flower bringers.

What you are guaranteed to see are lots of hugs! BIG juicy ones.

Ones where you sway (or bob) quickly from side to side. Ones where someone is getting whisked off their feet. Ones where they close their eyes and just squeeze. There are no shortage of hugs at the airport.

So, are you getting hugged enough in your daily life?

Touch has been studied at length and we now know that parents are encouraged to touch their babies in NICU as often as possible. And isn’t it somewhat inherent to want to reach out and touch someone when you see pain or suffering?

Excitement too makes us want to reach out and grab someone to release and share that positive energy.

“So, how do I get me some more hugging?” you may be thinking.

Well just like most things, it must start with you. As long as you can read social cues, and it is appropriate, try being liberal giving out hugs. It may feel awkward at first but as you get to be known as a hugger more people will come at you with open arms.

Make sure you cuddle / snuggle / hug those closest to you.

It’s a major connector, and connecting with people should be a priority in my opinion.

When my daughter was in Kindergarten she came home singing a song that went something like;

“Love is a gift that if you give it away it will come right back to you!”

So start hugging!!