Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Pondering Resolutions

You may not know this about me, but I'm a pretty shy, socially awkward person. If you have never met me in person, you may be fooled by my internet persona. I'm great at social networking when typing. Typing allows me to compose my thoughts, say the right (or at least ok) thing, and sometimes even be funny. This is not so in person. In person, I clam up. I mutter incomprehensible things, cling to walls, and often use Linus as a shield. Pathetic, I know.

In the same vein, I am a terrible hugger. I didn't realize it until I read Steph's post about side-hugging. Yes, I'm a side-hugger, that is when I hug at all. Typically, I do my best to avoid hugs. It's just another one of my weird social reject things.

That is why, I'm pondering (not yet resolving) to enter the new year as a real hugger. Of course, maybe I should resolve some social skill that involves less physical contact like to introduce myself to one of the super chatty moms at the park, smiling at strangers, or even answering the phone. Right now all those are terrifying. Maybe I'll just borrow a resolution from my sister-in-law Chelsea to not eat oysters. Yuck! That's one I'm sure not to renege on.



5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would love to have you become more of a hugger. When someone greets me with a hug I always feel it is a sign of total acceptance and that they are really glad to see me. My aunt Louise taught me that. She is the greatest hugger I know! Good luck with your resolutions.

Kelly Jernigan said...

This was making me laugh. I don't have so much of a problem with the weak hug, but I do have an issue with a weak handshake. Someone turned me on to the power of a good, firm handshake when I was young & it has stuck with me. Hope your hugging resolution works out for you, should you choose it. It is pretty amazing what a great hug can do for the spirits!!

Chimpsea said...

:) If you want to hug more, cool beans. If not, also cool. Each person has his or her own comfort zone. I remember when I was in Australia, lots of people were suuuuper huggy and kissy and it was actually really uncomfortable for me, so it's all about fit as usual. I only give my best hugs to Jonathan, which kinda keeps them special in my eyes. But you made me think about it! I think people can be welcoming and social in lots of ways and everyone just has to find their own.

Coco said...

Right there with ya Abby. Sometimes I find myself reminding myself to hug my own Mom more. There is something about a good hug from a friend though. I like what Chelsea said, just do what your comfortable with and except yourself that way.

Fannie said...

One of my daughters has a friend with "hug" issues. I have to make a concerted effort not to smooch all over her the way I do everyone else. It's probably people like ME that make you keep you distance!