Now, I’m a hugger. It’s not to say that I want or expect every stranger to greet me with a hug, but I am more apt to say goodbye to someone with a hug rather than a wave. I’ve also been the recipient of unasked-for hugs.

A few months ago, I was at the local pharmacy trying to figure out the timing of my mother’s medication. It was a lot to take in. I do not have a medical background, and I found the information regarding dosages and reactions of various medications overwhelming. The pharmacist explained everything perfectly. My brain refused to take in all the different information. I turned to leave and walked right into the person standing behind me. I still don’t know who it was, but I stood there while this person hugged me. I felt an immediate sense of relief, just a simple hug. She patted me on the back. I thanked her and walked away.

Though the above incident worked for me, I’m not advocating for hugging random people. It’s a matter of knowing your audience because no one should be touched without permission. It is always about respecting boundaries. A non-hugging friend says she can always counter the unasked-for hug with a handshake.

A 2020 study from the University of Arizona indicates that being a hugger could be hereditary. The abstract reported the results of a twin study to see if certain types of affectionate behavior were hereditary or environmental. Data involving 464 sets of twins ranging in age from 19 to 84 determined that women were influenced by genetics and their environment. Affectionate behavior in women was 45% hereditary, while 55% was environmental (influenced by personal relationships, social experiences and media). Researchers were surprised that men’s genetics did not appear to influence affection. Men were solely influenced by their environment, personal relationships and unique experiences.

According to Psychology Today, hugging has health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and even fighting off inflammation. Of course, that isn’t a reason to go off and randomly try to touch people.

I don’t care if my genetics or environmental circumstances allowed me to accept a stranger’s hug. Whatever the reason, I am most grateful for the person who stepped in and held me for a few seconds while I managed to catch my breath. Thank you for the hug.