Dedicated to my 'huggy' friends!

Another piece of news in yesterday's media was that a survey, by the manufacturers of Nivea Cream, had established that Britons spend around one hour each month hugging relatives, close friends, and acquaintances!  It would seem that, as a nation (there will always be some exceptions - apparently one third still don't like hugging, and certainly think that it should be avoided at work!) we are no longer afraid to show our emotions.  Indeed, the results of the survey indicated that the average person enjoys thirteen hugs each day - with each one lasting an average of 9.5 seconds.  Somebody is getting very few, very short, hugs just to make up for yours truly!!!!

One report quoted a psychologist as stating that, "Hugging is one of the most comforting and bonding acts.  It brings people closer."  That was certainly the opinion of the (anonymous?) author who penned the following words - a copy of which is stuck to my computer!

"It's wondrous what a hug can do;

A hug can cheer you when you’re blue.
A hug can say, “I love you so”
Or, “I hate to see you go”.
A hug is, “Welcome back again!”
And “Great to see you!”
Or “Where’ve you been?”

A hug can soothe a small child’s pain,
And bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug! There’s just no doubt about it,
We scarcely could survive without it.
No longer do you have to worry,
For a hug's the way to say “I’m sorry.”

A hug delights and warms and charms,
It must be why God gave us arms.

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers.
Chances are, some favourite aunts
Love them more than potted plants!

Kittens crave them;

Puppies love them;
Heads of state are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier,
And make the dullest day seem merrier.

No need to fret about the store of them;

The more you give - the more there are of them.
So stretch those arms, without delay,
And give someone a hug today!"

I LIKE HUGS!!