hugging

Hugging at Work – A Touchy Subject

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Hugging

Some people are huggers and some people aren’t. And then there are people like me who fall somewhere in between.

I don’t do a lot of hugging at work. I probably wouldn’t initiate a hug with a coworker or run up to a coworker with my arms outstretched. But if one of my coworkers feels like hugging me, I don’t complain. I actually like a hug, now and then.

But not everyone feels the same way. Some people just don’t like to be hugged, and that’s OK! The problem is that hugging at the office can sometimes be hard to avoid. It’s a pretty common practice, and people who enjoy hugging can be very determined.

So if you’re not a hugger, what should you do? Well, research psychologist Peggy Drexler offers these suggestions on how to ward off a hug:

  • Keep an object (like a coffee mug or a notebook) between you and the hugger.
  • Be very direct and explain that you’re not a hugger.
  • Before the hugger can hug you, sideline the person by firmly shaking his or her hand.
  • Act like you have somewhere else that you urgently need to be.
  • Drop your cell phone.

And if you ARE a hugger, keep this simple guideline in mind: If you’d like to hug a coworker, but you’re not entirely sure it would be appropriate, it’s probably not appropriate. When in doubt, don’t hug!

 

A New Rule for the Workplace: Hug Sparingly. (2014, January 11). In NPR. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2014/01/11/261467123/a-new-rule-for-the-workplace-hug-sparingly#

 

Surviving Awkward Moments

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Awkward_Moment

Human interactions can sometimes be so complex and awkward! If you’ve ever waved back at someone who wasn’t actually waving at you, or forgotten someone’s name two seconds after the person told you what it was, you know what I’m talking about.

That’s why I particularly enjoyed this list of “The 11 Most Awkward Moments That Happen When You Physically Greet Someone.” (I can especially relate to items 3, 6, and 10!) It includes both handy illustrations and tips on how to avoid or alleviate various cringe worthy situations.

When you’re short like me, it can sometimes be hard to figure out where everyone’s arms should go.
When you’re short like me, it can sometimes be hard to figure out where everyone’s arms should go.

 

Have you ever experienced any of these situations? Feel free to share your stories (and helpful suggestions) in the Comments section below!

 

Pyle, N. W. (2014, May 22). The 11 most awkward moments that happen when you physically greet someone. BuzzFeed. Retrieved from http://www.buzzfeed.com/nathanwpyle/the-11-most-awkward-moments-that-happen-when-you-physically#.hcYWx44PXq