Ever feel like you need a hug from someone and not say a word? You need it because you want to know that your loved one is there for you. After going through an overwhelming last fall semester of college, I began to feel like the weight of the world was pressing down on my shoulders, and that life kept throwing me challenges that I felt were impossible for me to get past. And at the end of some of my roughest days, all I really wanted was a nice hug.
Hugs are very soothing because it reminds us that we are always there for each other. Sometimes, hugs are all we need to make ourselves feel that everything will be okay, and no words are necessary. When we are feeling down or pessimistic, people think speaking words of encouragement will be what brings relief. But that is not always the case. Maybe it’s not helpful enough. Sometimes all we need is a noiseless, deep, embracing hug that lets us know there is always, always someone out there for us.
When I give a hug, I close my eyes because I don’t want to have to think about anything else except knowing there’s someone in front of me or back of me, protecting me. I take solace in knowing that this person didn’t forget about me. And this is part of who I am. My hugs to others helps them remember I'm someone that they can turn to in a time of need. We live in an imperfect world, and I continue to try my best to be someone that makes a huge difference in the lives of others. Often times when I give my friends a hug, be it when something tragic or benevolent happens, they prefer not to say anything and not let go of me. There's something so special in holding on to another person without saying a word. Lately, I've focused on tightening the bonds with my college friends, peers, and roommates because not only do I strive to be a positive and warm person, but I also want them to know that they can come to me no matter what's going on in their personal lives.
Different people like to give different kinds of hugs. There are those like my parents, who like to make their hugs a light squeeze and rock a little. I learned how to give good hugs through my loving family, especially my older brother who inspired me to see how much magic one simple hug can do for someone. I learned to hug them naturally, when there’s no set-time to do it, but only when I feel like it. And sometimes, those are the best hugs of all--the ones that aren't planned, and are instead spontaneous.
For the past twenty-one years of my life, I've hugged people around me for various reasons. I hug people when I receive gifts, or for people treating me out for dinner. I give energetic hugs to those I have not seen for a while. I hug people not only to show my support and concern for them, but also as a way to show them my encouragement. Hugs can create a special space that shows how much we love others, how much we will miss them when they leave, and how much we want them to know that everything will be okay.
Lastly, I would like to appreciate God for giving me an amazing personality where I can be different than others. I’d like to think that I’m truly grateful for being someone who gives hugs to those who probably haven't received a hug from their loved ones in a long time. I would like to make it up and show my care to that person. Even if the person I am hugging is uncomfortable with it or has Claustrophobia, I still do it because it may not be them needing the hug, but it may be for myself instead. It’s easy for us to forget a hug after it happens, but during the act of giving or receiving that hug, we should always remember to be thankful for it.
