Val Saksornchai

Hugs are a fascinating thing.

Like, really. It’s fascinating.

First reason: a hug can communicate so much. It can be an expression of love, of care, of comfort, of camaraderie, of anything you want it to be really.

Second reason: it’s fascinating seeing how different people hug.

For a reason which I’ll not go into now, I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of hugs in the past few days, and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Some people do a “formal” hug where your bodies aren’t really touching. It’s almost as if you’re doing a stationary dance where they hold you at arm’s length.

Then there’s the “semi” hug where parts of your bodies are touching, but it’s a bit awkward. Like they’re not sure for whatever reason whether to go all the way.

There’s the “quick” hug where they hug you then swiftly pull back, letting you know squarely that your time in their embrace is over.

There’s the “friendly” hug, the “friendly professional” hug, the “we used to work together but not anymore so it’s now okay to hug” hug, the “I’m not sure why you’re hugging me but sure I’ll go with it” hug.

Then there’s the really good hug. The kind where your bodies – in no sexual way whatsoever – truly become one. I got one of those recently, and man it felt good.

You feel connected, warmly and genuinely welcomed into another human’s world. It’s really quite special.

I mean, I’m all for hugs. Hugs are awesome.

That’s all I have for now on the topic of hugs, and this is where I shall leave you.