So you don't like hugs...
WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!?!?!
Just kidding. That's perfectly valid! You have every right to reject a hug from someone... but you still probably should try to not sound like a jerk when you do it.
Here are five ways to politely tell someone to please stop going in for that hug.
1. Pretend to be sick
Honestly, this works like a charm. It might be a lie but… who cares?
2. Say you’re sweaty
At the risk of making yourself seem gross... say you haven’t managed to get in the shower yet after a work-out, or you’ve been working in the sun all day. If it’s winter, say your layers are making you sweat. If the person has any respect for their own hygiene, they’ll probably stop going in for that hug.
3. Offer an alternative
If someone is going in for a hug, and you’re just not comfortable with that, offer something else. A high-five, a pat on the back, a handshake – whatever you’re okay with.
4. Pretend to not notice and *just happen* to turn away right then...
It might be obvious, but even if it is, they’ll probably get the picture.
If you try one of these and it doesn't work, or if you just want to be honest --
5. Just tell them “Thanks, but I’m just not a hugger.”
If you’re going to be this blunt, just make sure that you don’t make it sound personal. Don’t say “I don’t want to hug you” because that might make the person think there’s something wrong with them. Make sure they know this is just how you are, and you have nothing against them.
And if they go in for the hug before you can reject it, or ignore your request...
Tell them to F the F off! Not cool, man. Don't let them disrespect your personal space.
...Or if you’re not as savage as me, just back away and tell them you’d rather not.
Sometimes people’s ways of showing affection are different, but you should be courteous of the other person no matter which side of the spectrum you fall on.
