Today we talked about hugging. Are you a hugger and do you hug in the workplace? Does your company encourage it? I'm a big hugger but I can usually tell if someone is open to a hug or I'll ask first. But word is...it may take the place of a good ole fashioned handshake.
Time magazine reflects in this week's issue that the hug is in many situations beginning to replace the handshake. Saying that the hug is gaining ground in not only social situations, but in the workplace too -- even on first meetings -- Time cites some possible explanations. Mental health professionals have chalked it up to a range of things, including increasing population density, community spirit among the "millennials" generation, and 9/11 bringing the country together.
There's also some who point to pop culture influence, such as The Sopranos showing tough guys hugging, or the male stars of HBO's Entourage talking about "hugging it out." Time notes that the workplace hug can be a little tricky -- you don't want to cross the line that could make it seem inappropriate. And it's important that both people be on the same page, to avoid a hand slamming into someone else's stomach -- or someplace more delicate -- if a handshaker goes to greet a hugger.
The magazine describes three types of common hugs:
The Full Frontal Hug -- Total front body contact with a firm squeeze. This is used for parents, children and good friends.
The A**-Out Hug -- These are those hugs when nothing touches below the shoulders. Time says this is used for the office and bad dates.
The Hip-Hop Hug -- Shake with the right hand and hug with the left, giving two slaps on the back. Also called the Man Hug and the Hetero Hug
No comments:
Post a Comment