What is it about a hug that quenches our thirst? The reassurance and physical affirmation that I gleaned from a simple embrace was something, I now realize, I’d taken for granted. Add it to the list!
Without the hug in my personal arsenal of love, I feel a bit more vulnerable, like a fish out of water. I’m realizing that without this perfectly simple act of physicality, that can convey all that I feel in one fell swoop, I have to verbalize my emotions. I have to risk the vulnerability of saying “ I love you” and fear lack of reciprocity.
So now that a hug is not always an option, I find myself giving verbal hugs. Is it possible to hug someone verbally or visually with no touch. Of course, the answer is “hell no!” No matter how we try to duplicate it…with the smell of fresh bread, a deeper smile, a more purposeful moment of eye contact or when all else fails, a Zoom Happy Hour…it just doesn’t quite cut it for me!
A hug says…I love you. I care. You matter. I need you. You need me. ( Cue…Barney coming’ in for the big purple hug) It says…Thank you. You’re essential. You matter to me.
Some hugs are obligatory pats or salutations. Some are an embrace, a long cool drink or a warm cozy blanket. But no matter the flavor, a hug always energizes me and confirms my existence. It reminds me that I have a physical presence attached to this soul, on this earth, at this moment. It grounds me.
So amidst this insane and “ other-worldly “ social distancing , give yourself a hug. Embrace your strengths. Forge new ways of self-care. Indulge for a bit but don’t forget that you and your health are essential not only to yourself, but to those you love. Know that what you create matters. Truly, you are huggable!
And when this pandemic is more fully controlled and we can freely embrace without fear of contagion, my hope is that we will cherish our hugs a bit more. And that which we couldn’t quite put into words, would be wrapped up once again in a sweet, savory hug.