“During the pandemic, we went into a really awkward period where we started to just elbow each other instead of hugging. And now no one knows whether hugs are back. Now especially, we just don ...

After a separation of any duration, a hug brings us back together. "A hug is worth 1,000 words. It is a nonverbal way to quickly communicate support, care, and comfort," Dr. Albers noted.

Perhaps you’re not a huggy type, but others around you are. If you don’t hug back, you’ll be perceived as unfriendly and standoffish. If you’re truly bothered by hugging, are afraid of cat ...