While Hugs for Health Foundation has had a National Hug Holiday and a Project: Hug Day since at least 1999 according to the Way Back Machine, there was no Hug Holiday Day to be found in any year. The National Hug Holiday has been a week long celebration at least since 1999 in the first week of June, until it moved to the first week of May in 2003 and has stayed there ever since.
In 2006 reports surfaced on several holidays sites and pages about a Hug Holiday Day attributed to the Hugs for Health Foundation. But these seem to be misunderstandings or even unverified copy-paste holidays. (These happen a lot with unofficial holidays)
However, since rogue holidays holidays do become real when they are celebrated enough times by enough people, Hug Holiday Day has become a real holiday even if it has been misattributed.
“I told my partner they should embrace their mistakes…. They gave me a hug.”
The Hug Decoder: From Awkward to Awesome
The art of the hug—a delicate balance of warmth, connection, and not making things awkward. Here’s a witty rundown on how to initiate a hug with finesse and charm:
The Art of the Approach:
Timing is Everything: Hug at appropriate moments and avoid surprise attacks—ask permission or give a friendly heads-up! Unless you are really really sure the other person is into surprise hugs, Then just glomp away and disregard the rest of this guide.
Respect Personal Space: Stay mindful of personal boundaries. If the person leans back, tenses up, or creates distance, it’s a clear sign they prefer their personal space bubble intact. Respect it like a well-guarded secret. Remember, consent is key. If someone explicitly says “no” or looks at you like you’re trying to sell them timeshares, it’s best to gracefully back off.
Assess the Hug-Worthiness: Look for signs of open body language, a genuine smile, and an overall friendly vibe from the person you wish to hug.
Timing is Key: Pick the right moment, like when you’re parting ways or reuniting after a long absence, not when they’re balancing a tray of hot coffee or running from a swarm of bees. On the other hand, if a conversation lulls, a well-timed hug can inject just the right amount of “I care about you, but please let’s not stand here in silence.”
Be Mindful of Odor: Wear a pleasant fragrance, not a cloud of overwhelming cologne or a scent that could summon skunks from miles away. Fresh breath is essential—think minty-fresh, not like you just ate all the onions at the buffet!
How to Initiate
Approach with Panache: Start with a casual approach. Smile warmly, radiating enough charm to power a small, huggable planet. Avoid the “I’m going to tackle you” vibe. Think gentle and considerate, not WWE wrestler in the ring.
The Air Hug Warm-up: Keep your body language open, as if you’re a human-sized embrace emoji awaiting activation. Slowly extend your arms, maintaining eye contact and a friendly smile. Signal your intention by gently wiggling your fingers, as if they were playfully whispering, “Hey, I come in peace.”
The Verbally Vague Invitation: Utter the magical words, “I could use a hug right now,” without sounding like you’re auditioning for a Hallmark movie. Respect personal boundaries by adding a friendly disclaimer like, “If you’re comfortable with it, of course!” Allow them the freedom to choose whether they want to embrace the opportunity or graciously decline.
The Actual Hug
Go For Grace: Move forward with grace, aiming for a gentle collision of bodies rather than a full-force tackle. Embrace them like a gentle fluffy cloud.
Aim for the Perfect Squeeze: Aim for a balanced embrace. A bear hug might be overwhelming, and a limp handshake disguised as a hug is just plain awkward. Find the sweet spot in between. Squeeze gently, like you’re hugging a marshmallow, not trying to pop it! Embrace like a fluffy teddy bear, not a boa constrictor.
Still Respect Personal Space: Hug with an arm’s length distance, not like a clingy koala that won’t let go.
The Duration Dilemma: A brief, friendly squeeze is usually sufficient. Avoid lingering too long, unless you’re auditioning for the role of “Human Barnacle.”
Master the Art of Release
A Graceful Exit: After the hug, release gently, like releasing a majestic butterfly into the wild. Step back, maintaining a friendly smile.
Optionally, Repeat: A well received hug might result in the other person initiating another hug. Repeat from the start as often as required.
Remember, a good hug is a delightful balance between warmth and respect. The ultimate goal is to make others feel comfortable and valued, all while avoiding any potential awkwardness. So go forth, spread your polite and friendly embraces like a soft breeze of confetti!
