Studies in hugology

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I. A single hug can save the world. At least the world existing inside each of us. A single hug can be the difference between life and death.

II. If you give hugs, do it selflessly. Do not require reciprocity. Hugging is not giving loans or charity. Hugging is about love.

III. Hugs come in two types: friendly and erotic. Both are about love (see study II). Be careful about which of the two types you give or get.

IV. Virtual hugs are fully equivalent to physical hugs. All three principles apply to both: (a) they can save the world, (b) they should be given selflessly, and (c) you should be careful to distinguish friendly from erotic.

V. Hugging should not be treated lightly. It's about love, but also responsibility. If you're not ready to give love and take responsibility, do not hug!

VI. The salutary effect of your hug is guaranteed, but need not be enormous or immediate. Be humble. Be patient.

VII. Hugs create a strong emotional bond. Through this bond some of the hugged person's pain will rub onto you. If you're not ready to bear this pain, do not hug.

VIII. Physical hugging involves intimate body contact. If you're uncomfortable with this, do not hug.

IX. Everybody has the right to refuse an offered hug without giving reasons. Be ready for the frustration of having your hug rejected. Do not insist.

X. Hugs come in all tastes and flavours (apart from the global dichotomy in study III). It takes skill, time and effort to learn to distinguish those subtleties. It's worth it.

(January 2013)