hugs not drugs

there is nothing much worse than an awkward hug.
ever get those hugs from people where they just
barely make contact with you as if you have a flesh
eating disease; i refer to these as Leprosy Hugs---

then there are the hugs you are forced into with
people you do not even know; a real shallow hug
that is a meaningless hello or good-bye. you are
not sure why you are hugging the person, but for
whatever reason everyone else is hugging hello or
good-bye so then you too partake in it---

nothing beats a great hug where someone grabs you
in and holds on for a significant amount of time. they
keep you close and pat your back; in that moment
you feel comfortable and happy. a great hug creates
a warm welcome; reminds you friends are there for you;
lets someone know they are special; says every word
that needs to be said without uttering a word---

this past weekend i went home and exchanged some
much needed hugs with some wonderful people. it
not only felt great to receive some of those hugs, but
is also felt so wonderful to give out solid hugs to those
who mean the world to me---