What is it about hugs? For me, there’s something about a hug that says ‘I care about you’ and ‘You’re welcome here’.
Of course, not everyone is comfortable with hugging other people, especially those they don’t know well. So, rather than ‘going in for the hug’, make it an offer – and don’t be offended or surprised if some people say no. It’s not about you, it’s just how they’re feeling in that moment. I’ve had the offer of a hug turned down many times and it doesn’t stop me from carrying on.
In the month of May every year there’s ‘Global Free Hugs Weekend’. The idea (which was started by Carol Miller in Chicago) is that people stand in public places, holding up a sign saying ‘Free hugs’. There’s the offer, and many people say yes and feel just that little bit better as a result. Sometimes, even a whole lot better. And, many people just keep on walking, and that’s their choice. No hard feelings, we understand. Here’s how it went one Saturday in Bath:
So, if we want to make a difference as we go about our daily lives, what’s really important is to make the offer, just letting people know that there’s a free hug available.
One way to do that is to wear a badge that says ‘Free hugs – just ask’. There’s a Service with a HUG lapel badge available that says exactly that. Message us for more details on how to order. Why not wear one and see what happens? Remember, when someone accepts the invitation, it doesn’t just lighten their day – yours will be lifted too!
If you’re a manager or owner of a business and you’re keen to encourage a bit more hugging, always give staff members the choice of whether to join in or not. Don’t impose the wearing of badges as it may take people too far outside their comfort zone. By all means set the example by wearing a badge yourself, and let staff members choose for themselves.
If you run a retail establishment and all of the team are up for it, you could even put a sticker on the door that says to visitors as they enter ‘Free hugs – just ask’. If you’d like some of these stickers, just get in touch. How amazing it would be if there were shops and cafes in every town where people could go for a hug. I believe that could happen. I’ve been to places where hugging is the norm. It feels wonderful and I’d love to hear your stories. What would it take to change the world, one HUG at a time? I wonder…