Nesredna's Knook: Stories: Significance Of The Hug


KNOOK FEATURES: Awards (for Geocities site) DVD Collection Fantasy World KAndersen_Kollectibles Kirk's Knook Knook@CafePress.com Nesredna's Reviews School Daze Sci-Fi Chamber Stories & Stuff Theatre Links My Theatre Resume Who Am I? Year In Review EXTRAS: U.S. Navy Memorial Amazon.com Cafepress.com T-shirtlinks.com	THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HUG By KIRK ANDERSEN I don't know when the first hug was given, or what the significance of it was, but one thing I do know is that the hug is now used as a sign of affection. Hugs have different meanings for different people. Some people are so anti-social that they avoid hugs like the plague, while others (pardon the pun) embrace hugs. American Society links hugs with physical attraction and often insinuates sexual attraction, as in "Hugs and Kisses". It is for this reason that most guys don't hug each other when they meet. Where as women often will hug anybody and everybody, they are not afraid to show their affection to one another or to (certain)men. When performed properly a hug, like all actions, can speak louder than words, especially when words are not needed or would be inadequate. A hug in times of crisis tells the recipient "I care about you". It lets them know that someone is concerned about them and that they matter. Humans need to cling on to something especially in times of need. Why not cling on to another human being? It reassures the "you matter" factor. In many countries the hug is a form of greeting, like a wave or a hand shake. People from these societies don't think anything else about it.
	Americans on the other hand, (or should I say United States Americans, not necessarily Canadians or South Americans) read more into hugs than that. Which is why some Americans are afraid of human contact. "If I hug you, it means I love you, or I want to have sex with you" many Americans may think. What's wrong with a hug just meaning Welcome fellow human being? Spouses and lovers hug each other to say I love you. Friends hug each other to say Hello or Good bye for now. Athletes hug each other to celebrate the victory of a great play or goal. Politicians hug each other to get votes for their next piece of legislation or for re-election. Children hug their parents for attention and for protection from those imaginary monsters that will eat them if they are not clinging to Mommy or Daddy's leg. Rescuers hug the people they are saving for protection and safety. Mourners hug friends and family to consule the heart and keep it filled with love. Actors hug everybody because it was a wonderful performance. Judas' hug and kiss to Jesus was a signal for capture. (I guess not all hugs are nice). There are many ways to hug, and many reasons to hug. Personally I don't think there is enough hugging being done. If we, as a country, and even as a world, could give each other a hug, even to our enemies, imagine the good feeling we could generate. What a power that could be! Have you hugged somebody or been hugged today? Story Origin/Inspiration: I originally wrote this in July 1997 for the cybermagazine Hey! It's A Teenage House Party! edited by my buddy TJ. It was inspired by a couple of Christian folks who give great hugs. Copyright © 1997 - 2003 Nesredna Notes a division of KAndersen Entertainment All Rights Reserved. This Article was featured in the cybermagazine *"Hey! It's A Teenage House Party!"* Copyright © 1997, 1998 Apple Pie Entertainment From 30 July, 1997 to 30 November, 1997

Stories & Stuff Logo created by Kirk L. Andersen - 25 April 2005

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Added to Nesredna's Knook on 21 December, 1997
Updated on 16 September, 2005