Workplaces are seeing a rise in hugging culture. Hugging is a social minefield, says Kara Deringer. Context is all-important.
Source: BBC News, July 20, 2017.
Not everyone’s so keen on the idea of hugging. Deborah Wallsmith, an assistant professor of anthropology says that the graduations of hug discomfort depend upon nuances, relationships, and personal preferences.
“The least offensive is the one-armed, side-by-side hug, where the huggers are standing next to each other, and extend their adjacent arms around each other’s waist.”
“The most objectionable is the full-frontal squeeze that goes on forever.”
INSIGHTS: Deringer recommends either asking people for a hug, or paying very close attention to body language. If they reach out their hand? I’ve got it, they’re hand shaker or a high-fiver, she shares.