Hugging is Awkward

The past few months I have attended several weddings, mission farewells and a funeral or two.  These events (and others like them) provide the opportunity to hug, reaffirming my belief that hugging is AWKWARD.  Come on, we all know it is. But we just keep on doing it.  After Casey died, I hugged about 1.27 million people, which qualifies me as an expert hugger. (Pretty impressive for a non-hugger.) 
If hugging makes you uncomfortable and even a little stressed out, I suggest finding a hug style that works within your comfort zone.

HUG STYLES:

• The Straight up Embrace:  This hug is commonly used by huggers.  It is the "I'm in your personal space, I am bursting you bubble, I am touching your body with as much of my body as I possibly can." type of hug.  I reserve this type of hug for family members only and usually just to annoy them.
• The Lean In:  This hug is performed by bending at the waist and leaning your head and shoulders towards the person you are hugging.  This hug style allows you to avoid any unnecessary contact below the shoulders.
• The Baby Burp:  Can be used in combination with The Lean In.  During the embrace you gently pat the hug recipient on the back and say "Ohhhhhhhhhh."
• The Shoulder/Handshake:  This hug is done by grabbing shoulders while shaking hands.  Men frequently use this hug style because it is more intimate than a plain handshake, but they are still able to avoid any man on man contact.
• The Heimlich Hug:  This is just a regular hug with a quick, tight squeeze added.  I like this style because it lets people know the hug is over now.  My niece, Morgan, likes this hug and she doesn't even have personal space issues.  I think she just likes to shock people.
• The Side Hug: This is my personal favorite.  You just put your arm around the other persons waist and touch shoulders and hips.  If you want even less contact, you can just put your hand on their back.  I like this style because it allows you to keep all your carefully built walls in tact, you do not need to breathe the same air and you can even avoid eye contact if necessary.
• The High School Dance Picture:  I almost forgot this one.  It is usually by accident that you end up with this hug.  It happens when one hugger goes for the Side Hug and the other goes for the Shoulder/Handshake. You end up with your arms around each other, holding hands in front.  Way awkward!

If you are aware of any other hug styles...please share.  I am always looking for a better way to avoid any awkward contact.

***This post is dedicated to Morgan McCaleb...because she is a "bad hugger."

Experiencing Stockholm Syndrome

Brian and I started our Baltic vacation in Sweden.  We were very tired, so Stockholm didn't leave much of an impression.

But we did get to experience a beautiful Swedish Sunset.