Like most of us, it appears, I come from a non-touchy, feely family. My daughter taught me to be more demonstrative; it's simply the way she was born.

There is an element of risk in offering a hug. Every once in awhile I really admire someone's willingness to be vulnerable. Like a couple of months ago when I visited Oregon last. My long-time ex-husband touched me on the shoulder; when I turned, he held his arms wide. We hugged for the first time in more than 40 years. I'm afraid I wouldn't be brave enough to offer myself up like that but I really admired him for it.