I read, years ago, about the symbolism of the handshake...the mixed, or at least combination message of 2 people touching, yet holding each other at bay, so to speak. I'm old enough that in my early adult days it was even unusual for a woman to offer her hand for a shake, let alone spontaneously hug a non-intimate someone. Not only was mine a non-huggy family, I come from a non-huggy time.

13 years in Arkansas, mingling with younger back to the landers in the craft scene brought me to hugging (my Scots husband NEVER got the hang of it). And I like it. But still find myself hesitating on the brink if signals aren't clear. I never take it amiss, tho, if hugging is not on offer. Free choice.

However, I do offer my hand when meeting someone new, when hugging seems like it might not be the thing. I agree that contact = good, and a handshake is better than nothing.

Sign me "A shy but enthusiastic hugger..."