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I am NOT A HUGGER! For so many years of my life I have not even liked to be touched! But now… Fughetabboutit! I LOVE HUGS! I absolutely NEED THEM! Recently (this school year, in particular), my students have been coming to me with some REALLY HEAVY THINGS on their minds and their souls. Some of them are just being crushed… and when I am listening to their stories, I begin to feel crushed as well. Sometimes, it is just too overwhelming… and I sit there and wonder, “What the heck can I say to that?” I have begun to say nothing… and I just ask them if they would like a hug.

EVERY student I have asked has answered “YES” without any doubt or hesitation! I think I am VERY GOOD at using words… and I use them effectively in my capacity as a “helper” in schools. But there is NO DOUBT in my mind that words have a limited capacity for “connection.” As humans, we need to “CONNECT!” Connect in very REAL, PHYSICAL, INTIMATE ways. We are ALL hardwired for this connection. None of us operate at our peak performance without the magic of “physical touch.”

Yes, I am aware that can be perverted and lines can be crossed very easily. I am also aware of how often that happens… unfortunately… and in my job I have to be careful! That being said, I am JUST NOW beginning to realize the importance of this aspect of the human experience and I am going to continue to ask, “Do you need a hug?”