To Hug or Not to Hug?
Michelle Obama + The Queen of England = The touch heard ’round the world.
Trent Armstrong
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To Hug or Not to Hug?
Modern Manners Guy here with a– okay, I’m just gonna take a little step back here. There. Much better. I can’t concentrate while someone is in my space. No offense. Well, the news media went berserk earlier this month when the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, swapped an affectionate touch on the back or hug with The Queen of England. Touchgate 2009 became front-page news and even prompted a statement from a Buckingham Palace spokesman. So when is it appropriate to hug? And when does a hug become an international incident?
Personal Space
Societies across our globe view personal space very differently. In many places it’s not uncommon to see friends interlocking their arms as they walk down the street or standing so close that they must know exactly what each person had for lunch. Then there are places where walking too close to someone might accidentally end in marriage. On a personal level, each of us has a certain level of comfort when it comes to the distance between ourselves and the nearest human. This level of comfort may or may not be tied to a particular culture. Though we all have different opinions on how close is too close, there are some general rules everyone should follow in order to be sensitive and more mannerly.
Friendship
For the friendly crowd, start off with a bit of a wide berth when getting to know someone. Handshakes are appropriate until a stronger bond is forged. Get to know your new friend’s personality before encroaching on his or her personal space.
Many folks, like myself, who are from the Southern United States tend to go straight for hugs. This gesture can break down walls quickly, but should be self-policed as it can also make someone very uncomfortable. It’s fine to simply ask, “Do you prefer hugs?” The answer may be no, in which case you don’t get your feelings hurt, fall back to the handshake, and save yourself from a restraining order. It’s typical for there to some form of physical greeting. If you aren’t particular about which greeting, you might try to read the other person as they approach. An outstretched hand by the other party will settle the situation into a handshake, but if the other person leans in or slightly turns to the side as they approach, you might be looking at a hug. Don’t panic! Stick around for more about hugs in a bit.
Courtship
Courtship is a different matter. The most exciting part of dating and building a relationship with a romantic interest is working out the physical aspect of the relationship. Nothing gets the heart pumping like taking the plunge and holding hands for the first time. I’m not a relationship expert, but I do know that it’s important to respect boundaries. Be sensitive to your partner and discuss things so you are both on the same page. Respond quickly and respectfully to any negative feedback, and keep communication open. The sooner you build the habit of talking things out, the better your relationship will be.
Business
The office is a place for conducting business, so the default for this environment should be a handshake and a respectful distance. It is crossing the line to move into lots of hugging, shoulder rubbing, and back scratching at the office. Not only is that potential lawsuit fodder, but even if the person getting his back scratched is comfortable with the gesture, it would certainly make anyone else in the room terribly uncomfortable. An inspiring presentation on the quarterly numbers might rouse a hearty slap on the shoulder, but anything remotely approaching romantic should be saved for outside the workplace.
Hugs
I’ve mentioned hugging several times. Hug is a tiny word that can mean a lot. It’s a show of affection, a way to comfort, and a means of celebration. There are lots of different hugs to go along with those situations, too. The side hug, the pick-you-up-in-the-air hug, the still-shaking-hands hug, and especially the full “get-in-here” straight on hug. When you’ve examined a relationship and determined that a hug is appropriate, be sure to pick your hug carefully. Try to read the other party to make sure your version of the hug won’t be seen as an invasion of their privacy. Even a side hug or a neck hug with a safe distance can convey heartwarming familiarity.
Many of us might have been able to guess that touching one of England’s royalty was taboo if we stopped to think about reasons why. Not only is the Queen considered a sacred person, but the potential safety hazards alone are enough to send the guard into a frenzy. However, the situation in which Michelle Obama found herself deserves a closer look.
Now, let’s say you’re the First Lady of The United States of America, and you’ve had a fetching time getting to know a wonderful lady who just happens to be The Queen of England. If Her Majesty places a hand on your back indicating her comfort level with you and her affection for you, feel free to return the sentiment in kind. After all, the Queen made the first move. If you are ever trying to decide to hug or not to hug, you can simply wait for the other party to go first. Also, be quick to respect further boundaries and watch for any negative feedback. If the person goes in for the side hug—as in the case of the Queen—don’t go in for the pick-you-up-in-the-air hug
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Interesting Link:
The official website of The British Monarchy – https://www.royal.gov.uk/Home.aspx
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