Woody Posted February 25, 2012 Posted February 25, 2012 Is it a sin to hug? How does one know the intent of the hugger on the huggee? Wouldn’t a hand shake be sufficient? And/or a few kind words? “A hug is a form of physical intimacy, that usually involves closing or holding the arms around the neck, back, or waist of another person; if more than two persons are involved, this is referred to as a group hug. A hug, sometimes in association with a kiss, eye contact or other gestures, is a form of nonverbal communication. Depending on culture, context and relationship, a hug can indicate familiarity, love, affection, or friendship. One person may hug another as an indication of support, comfort, and consolation. A hug can be a demonstration of affection and emotional warmth, sometimes arising out of joy or happiness at meeting someone. Sometimes hugs are a romantic exchange. Unlike some other forms of physical intimacy, when both parties mutually engage in the act, a hug can be practiced publicly and privately without stigma in many countries, religions and cultures, within families, and also across age and gender lines, but is generally an indication that people are familiar with each other. An unexpected hug can be regarded as an invasion of a person's personal space, but if it is reciprocated it is an indication that it is welcome. Also, a person, especially a child, may caress and hug a doll or stuffed animal. Young children will also hug their parents when they feel threatened by an unfamiliar person.” Description above from the Wikipedia article Cuddling, Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Members phkrause Posted February 25, 2012 Members Posted February 25, 2012 I don't think so, we in the US don't do enough of that. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Woody Posted February 25, 2012 Author Posted February 25, 2012 I don't think so, we in the US don't do enough of that. Well it used to be that when I was young (in the olden days mind you) that we didn't hug anyone outside of the family. So, this is a new tradition that takes some gettin' used to . The tradition of the handshake is a lost art. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Members phkrause Posted February 25, 2012 Members Posted February 25, 2012 Are you talking about the church? or just in general? when meeting and greeting people? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Gordon1 Posted February 25, 2012 Posted February 25, 2012 Two kisses is the social custom here and in recent years has been adopted by the church. Quote
Administrators Gail Posted February 26, 2012 Administrators Posted February 26, 2012 I like hugs, but only from certain people. Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
M. T. Cross Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 I equally like hugs and handshakes, and the combo handshake/hug. Quote
Dr. Shane Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Hugging can be very therapeutic and I recommend it highly. But... keep the hands above the waist. I have been in a few groups that do a lot of hugging and there always seem to be some guys that like to hug the gals a little to low. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
Woody Posted February 26, 2012 Author Posted February 26, 2012 Hugging can be very therapeutic and I recommend it highly. But... keep the hands above the waist. I have been in a few groups that do a lot of hugging and there always seem to be some guys that like to hug the gals a little to low. With a woman there are two places both high and low that need to be considered here in this discussion. :) Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators LynnDel Posted February 26, 2012 Moderators Posted February 26, 2012 I kind of wish the handshake would go away. The greeter at the church door is undoubtedly exposing the entire church to accumulated germs. Hugs are good, so long as a stranger is not passing them out, like the guy, probably a student, I saw near the UC Davis campus toting a large sign, "Free hugs." I should've taken him up on it. He looked capable. LD Quote LD
Woody Posted February 26, 2012 Author Posted February 26, 2012 Quote: He looked capable. If that is your criteria - then perhaps I might qualify. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Neil D Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 I saw near the UC Davis campus toting a large sign, "Free hugs." I should've taken him up on it. He looked capable. "He looked capable." .....Man, that sounds so....sexist.... Is he a sperm donor or a handyman? Quote Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. George Bernard Shaw
cricket Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 I have been reading a book titled, "The Female Brain," written by Louann Brizendine, MD. Less than hour ago, I read this excerpt: "From an experiment on hugging, we also know that oxytocin is naturally released in the brain after a twenty-second hug from a partner--sealing the bond between the huggers and triggering the brain's trust circuits. So don't let a guy hug you unless you plan to trust him. Touching, gazing, positive emotional interaction, kissing and sexual orgasm also release the oxytocin in the female brain. Such contact may just help flip the switch on the brain's romantic love circuits. Estrogen and progesterone dial up these bonding effects in the female brain, too, by increasing oxytocin and dopamine. One study has shown that on different weeks of the menstrual cycle females get more of a rewarding jolt out of their brain chemicals. These hormones then activate the brain circuits for loving, nurturing behavior while switching off the caution of aversion circuits. In other words, if high levels of oxytocin and dopamine are circulating, your judgment is toast. These hormones shut the skeptical mind down." For me, a married person, hugging people of the opposite sex is "wrong." Others may have a different opinion. Quote
Moderators LynnDel Posted February 26, 2012 Moderators Posted February 26, 2012 "He looked capable." .....Man, that sounds so....sexist.... Is he a sperm donor or a handyman? It's not! Neither. Man, you just popped my balloon! Quote LD
Woody Posted February 26, 2012 Author Posted February 26, 2012 Quote: In other words, if high levels of oxytocin and dopamine are circulating, your judgment is toast. These hormones shut the skeptical mind down." Wow. This could be dangerous in the hands of the wrong hugger. I had no idea that it had such an impact on the huggee. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Gordon1 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 For me, a married person, hugging people of the opposite sex is "wrong." Yes, even for an unmarried person.. Quote
Moderators Bravus Posted February 26, 2012 Moderators Posted February 26, 2012 It's wrong not to hug. Quote Truth is important
Moderators Bravus Posted February 26, 2012 Moderators Posted February 26, 2012 Pfft. I look capable of giving great hugs: I'm a big bear of a guy with a kind face. Our Stan, very much likewise. It ain't sexist to say so. Quote Truth is important
doug yowell Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 "From an experiment on hugging, we also know that oxytocin is naturally released in the brain after a twenty-second hug from a partner--sealing the bond between the huggers and triggering the brain's trust circuits.AFTER 20 seconds?? Holy Moley, Batman, 20 seconds?? Ya think something may be going on after a 21+second hug?? Or maybe something was already happening before the hug started?? Is that the kind of hugging you had in mind, Woody? Quote
doug yowell Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 For me, a married person, hugging people of the opposite sex is "wrong." Others may have a different opinion.I'm a married guy and I always hug my friends of the opposite sex from the side. 3 seconds max (if we haven't seen each other for a long time). Whaddya think,Cricket? Quote
doug yowell Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Pfft. I look capable of giving great hugs: I'm a big bear of a guy with a kind face. Our Stan, very much likewise. It ain't sexist to say so. I hope you two won't mind if I keep my hugs with you at under 20 seconds? Quote
Administrators Gail Posted February 26, 2012 Administrators Posted February 26, 2012 Not many social hugs I've been around have lasted 20 seconds. I must live in the wrong place. Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted February 26, 2012 Members Posted February 26, 2012 at the risk of being redundant (and unintentionally halting the thread)...here's one of my favorite videos...the original "Free Hugs"... Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
ClubV12 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 I'm cautious with my hugs, particularly with single women, which I avoid like the plague.... :) Quote
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