Are You Hugger ?

I'm not sure if it is American because I can remember when it began in churches in the UK years ago (35 years ago at the church we attended then) and you were invited to hug the person next to you, in front of you etc, often strangers.
I didn't like it even though I would kiss family and close friends -although probably I wouldn't hug a friend, just a kiss on the cheek (or both which some seem to like!).

Why is there two of these threads?

My thoughts also whitewave. It irritates me somewhat.

Oh dear. I have commented on the other one.

I wouldn't hug someone I didn't know, or kiss them.
Agree that hugs and kisses are reserved for friends and family, as a general rule.
If I see someone in distress, however, I may extend a kind hand on the arm, thus making some physical contact. I know that this could backfire.

By nature, I am a tactile person and, as a teacher, have had to retrain myself a while ago not to touch a student, even on the arm, in sympathy, empathy, or just kindness.

Sad, but necessary.

It's not just Americans who hug! It's just human contact after all...

I think when 2 threads pop up it is just a simple mistake.
I have done it myself thinking that the first one hasn't gone through and pressing again.

I only hug my family.
Why would you want to hug a stranger
Or even an acquaintance ?.

My DH is a handshaker
I wish sometimes that it was the norm for women to use the handshake.

Oops don't know where the ? Came from!

There's a lot of kissing going on where we live (SW France.)One on each cheek (upper) Even men kiss eachother sometimes, but more often shake hands.I find it awkward though, prefer a handshake. Parents train their young children to kiss older visitors, which is nice.
Yesterday I hugged and kissed a friend who is ill.

It is the norm to shake hands in Europe, Cherrytree59. Even little children do it!

I never used to be a hugger, but I am now. Only within limits though. I don't to hug, or be hugged by, strangers.
But I now quite like hugging my friends, and obviously my family.

I'm desperately trying to reintroduce handshaking. I am tall so I feel how silly to stoop to kiss anyone except children and then only those that want to be kissed. Dd1 and I go mwa mwa making mock.

Why is there two of these threads?
A kiss on each cheek perhaps?