Ideas please to politely/effectively refuse unwanted hugs?

I can't be bothered counting back ellanv but only the same number as you have made to assert your opinion.

I hate being hugged or even touched! ( dgc excepted )

Normal ? How many posts have you made to tell me how much you disagree ?

I don't have a problem, Ellanv.
I just happen to disagree with you, and I'm not 'making an issue' of anything, just contributing to the thread in the normal way.

I guess from your name you might be from Yorkshire. I am and I am not keen on the amount of social hugging and kissing that now happens in our (Cornish) village. People do seem to just know not to hug me, they will go round the room and miss me out. Fine by me. I like to hug family and some close friends but not everybody in the village.

Very good, bikergran!

make sure you eat plenty of GARLIC the night before...must be the night before as second hand Garlic is ...yuk!

I don't see what your problem is. If you disagree that's fine by me so why make an issue of it ?

ellanv you can show empathy for someone without giving them unwanted hugs. To me, empathy is more about listening to people and acknowledging what they are feeling and going through (rather than what you think they might be feeling and going through).
As is obvious from this thread, lots of people don’t welcome physical contact from others.

Put your hands up as if to push the hugger away. Take a step back. Look fierce and unfriendly. Wear a t-shirt saying "Do not hug me".

That should sort it.

Sick people janeainsworth who needed empathy as well as medication dignity and respect.

I'm talking the terminally ill not those who had simple and quick procedures such as yourself.

I am a hugger ? Always hug family and friends.

On meeting up with 3 gransnetters last week we all hugged and kissed when saying goodbye.

I like to think I would know if someone was not receptive to hugs or kisses.

Grumppa I was just going to say that to MissA too ???
I like hugging friends and family but we had one man at work who used to hug everyone I think I did move back or side swerve, without realising it the first time, and he never did try after that first time.

Hugs that are clearly hugs from the start are okay. I just hate the awkward hybrid collisions that are like is it a hug? Is it a handshake? Is it a cheek kiss? Neither of us know but we're both too polite to put a stop to this craziness until we have collided one way or another!

PamelaJ -I haven't done the sums so apologies if I'm wrong but, this thread doesn't seem dominated by folks who hate hugs, quite a number of us are (respectful/careful) huggers. It's become "so popular" b because so many people do like it

That's me janeainsworth. With so much bad news around and so many sick looking people waiting their turn I was obviously elated and privileged at the time for having such a quick appointment. I was so thankful as I always am toward those who care about your health and well-being. I see nothing wrong in showing my appreciation in this way.
I weigh up whether they appear approachable or not.

I've been more open to the idea of hugging since my daughter died.
I'm not sure if its just because I allowed people to hug me, or the fact that I found comfort from them.
I still wouldn't like a hug for no reason though.

Someone at our W.I. has terminal cancer. She has never been a hugger but I notice lots of people are giving her hugs as they feel sorry for her. I make a point of never hugging her or asking her how she is. Whether this is right or wrong I don’t know, but I have noticed our rather icy relationship from the past has definitely thawed and we even have laughs together.

I think I must have told people over the years, because most don't attempt it.
I usually move smartly to somewhere out of arms (or harms!) reach when I can feel a hug moment coming on.

Gosh. I wouldn’t dream of hugging a doctor or nurse who wasn’t a close personal friend

I hugged a radiographer a few years ago when she'd done an abdominal scan then to tell me that all was well.
A delightful Egyptian doctor who talked me through every organ of my body as she was scanning.
The thrill of knowing that all was well and the doctors professionalism was worth giving her a hug and as a " bonus " she scanned the bladder too.
Wouldn't anyone have hugged her ? She was visibly pleased that she was being appreciated.

grumppa, I had the same reaction to sodapop's contribution.. Whatever next!

However, on reflection I think Sodapop meant being kissed on both cheeks rather than having a tongue stuffed down your throat.

Sorry grumpa didn't mean it to be a double entendre.?

I hope so lemon I like a hug to be a hug from someone I love and caare for and who loves me, I can't do with all this fakery and show. A bit of good British Reserve is helpful.

So why is it so popular when, clearly, most of us don’t like it.
Is it an age thing?
I have never been hugged by anyone in the NHS but, apart from having my babies, I’ve not been an inpatient, upset about a procedure or a diagnosis.