Hug It Out

“Come give us a hug.”

We’ve heard it.

Probably said it.

Nothing wrong with a hug.

Better than drugs, they said.

Sounds like someone needs better drugs.

But putting it that way isn’t asking, it’s telling.

It’s not seeking consent, it’s directive.

Ordering us to do something, under the assumption that everyone wants/needs/enjoys a hug.

It’s a one-size approach that takes no account for the receiver, thinking that because the hugger likes to hug, the huggee (that looks weird) likes them, too.

Even “Would you like a hug” can be problematic, because we’ve been told all along that it’s rude to refuse a gesture like that.

But it’s a start.

A step toward meeting them where they are, not where you want them to be.