That Girl from Derwent dwells on the value of religion this Christmas.
That Girl from Derwent has learned a few more things about prejudice since moving up North.
That Girl From Derwent reckons if you're going to be offensive, you should find a better reason.
That Girl from Derwent considers why it is that some words have wider implications than others.
My high school English teacher once told me that giving someone a hug is the ultimate form of trust, because you’re quite literally giving someone the opportunity to stab you in the back. For me, a hug is much more than that; it’s a form of caring, a chance to forget your worries or lift the weight off someone else’s shoulders.
The Australian man known as 'Juan Mann', who started the Free Hugs Campaign in 2004, did so after being hugged by a random stranger at a party following months of emotional turmoil. He said of the hug: “I felt like a king! It was greatest thing that ever happened.” I can understand his sentiment.
The Free Hugs Campaign centres on giving hugs to strangers, and I definitely agree that there’s a place for that in the world. When someone gives you a hug and means it, there’s no better feeling, whether they know you or not. In my experience, an enthusiastic hug from a stranger feels far nicer than when a friend hugs you and you can tell they don’t really want to.
You name a form of physical contact as powerful as hugging. I’d take a hug over a handshake or a peck on the cheek any day of the week.
A recent article in the New York Times noted the paradox “that a generation so steeped in hands-off communication would be so eager to hug”. A parent was quoted lamenting the hugging of strangers, saying that hugs used to mean something. In my eyes, they still do; you name a form of physical contact as powerful as hugging. I’d take a hug over a handshake or a peck on the cheek any day of the week.
When I’ve had a lousy day and I want the world to swallow me whole, a hug makes me feel like life isn’t so bad any more. When I’ve had an awesome day and I feel on top of the world, a hug makes me feel even happier. Off the top of my head, I can’t remember ever receiving a hug I didn’t like; it gives me that warm, fuzzy glow inside.
So I’ll be sure to do my bit for World Hugging Day, and I urge you to do the same. Hug your friends. Hug your family. Hug some strangers. And most importantly, hug me!
Couldn't agree more with you Ben. A hug can do many a good thing. If you're feeling down, it can help to perk you up and let you know people care, and if you're feeling happy, it can help to spread the joy to those around you.
Not to mention the myriad of ways they can help to connect you to people. A good hug can help to solidify friendships and help you to show how much you care for your mates. In my view, a hug can make you feel as connected to your partner as any form of intercourse as well, as it still a very intimate and close act of affection between two people at the end of the day.
But swine 'flu could be in a hug! Eww.
I want a hug :(
comment deleted by the author You must log in to submit a comment.
Report