yep...you MUST respect those who do not wish hugs...for whatever reason! It is 'usually' not hard to tell....I seldom start hugging someone the first time I meet them, but sometimes it is just automatic after awhile...women, some men...it depends.

Hugs express something beyond a polite handshake...they say "I care" in a way that is hard to say otherwise. And in a group, you get a good idea of who knows whom by watching the hugging...It's funny...there are folks I like and respect, but never think of hugging...and it's hard to say why...perhaps they just give signals that they don't wish it...*shrug*