Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Free hugs

Much to the horror of some people and the joy of others, I've never met a hug I didn't like. So beware, I'm a hugger. If you ever meet me, hold up your finger crosses if you don't like to be touched because I attack. I should probably have a sign around my neck that says: Beware of hugger. Anyway, I have a point and it does have to do with something I love about New York.

I love Times Square. In my visits to Times Square I am never disappointed by the array of interesting people I find there. A few years back, I got to meet the naked cowboy--a guy who played the guitar in his underwear. He must've retired because he wasn't around this time. But this time, I met the 'Free Hug' guys. They carried around big signs that said, "FREE HUGS" in bold black lettering.

It was a huggers dream come true. Though my fingers were tingling when I saw them, I was willing to go without the offered hugs so as not to embarrass my poor husband. But then my husband called out, "Hey boys, my wife wants a hug."


As I was talking to the huggers, I asked them why they were giving out hugs. And one said, "Because hugs just make people happy." It's so true. Well, at least in my case it is.

(Don't mind the slightly uncomfortable look on his face. Remember, he was the one with the sign. It's not my fault I was willing to give him a real hug. LOL)

20 comments:

  1. AWW, I LOVE HUGS!!! haha How fun you guys got to go to New York! How was the weather like there?

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  2. I saw those hug guys on the news a while back - made me smile....

    I'm not a touchy person, but being raised in the south, I expect those hugs and even dole them out sometimes *laugh*

    what a nice post! :)

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  3. You do look a *tad* more enthusiastic than he does, what with your two arms thrown tightly around his neck while he gives you the ol' one armed pat, but I have to agree....he asked for it.

    I really like your new picture, btw. Very artsy and original. Just like you. :)

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  4. You see? This is why you are one of my favorite people.

    (This does NOT cancel out your obligation to be ruthless in feedback on Brevity.)

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  5. I love that their signs say "free hugs" as opposed to the kind you have to pay for? Okay, there's no need to get all sarcastic at your post. I know. It just makes me laugh when I think about literal meanings. I'm on a figurative literal kick right now.

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  6. OMG - I am SUCH a hugger! I don't understand how anyone doesn't like hugs. I also met the Naked Cowboy a few years back! He's SO not retired. Here's his website: http://www.nakedcowboyformayor.com/?page_id=25

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  7. aww hug guys! I love it! I think I'll go make a sign and stand on my street corner. ;)

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  8. I need a free hug guy next to me for when you come visit again. Then you can maul him instead of me;)

    Which brings me to another issue—when are you coming to see me again?

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  9. That's awesome. His face says it all.

    Fun post. thanks.

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  10. Sunny, I miss your hugs. The weather in NYC in the summer was very muggy.

    Kathryn, I think I would like the south. I've never been, but it sounds like my kind of place.

    Heather, in my defense, he was holding his big ol' sign in one hand. But, like I said, I think I was a little more enthusiastic than he was prepared for an old woman to be. :)

    Linda, you're one of my favorite people! And I hope I am still one of yours when I'm done editing. LOL Don't panic, I haven't started yet, so that wasn't a hint or anything. :) I'm in the middle of reading my one assignment before I can get to yours. But I'm looking forward to it.

    Candi, in Times Square I wouldn't be surprised to see people charging for hugs. The Naked Cowboy and Elmo charge for pictures. So I think they did need to clarify in this case. LOL And take your literal attitude off my blog. :) Just kidding, I think it's funny.

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  11. Debra, I knew we would get along! You like to hug AND you've reunited me with the Naked Cowboy. How can life get any better? :)

    Jenn, you should, let me know when you do and I'll be right there with you.

    Poor Natalie, a helpless victim to my unwanted hug-fest. Yes, that is a good course of action, Nat, just have a stand in whenever I'm around. LOL I want to come see you soon. We'll be up in November this year, but that sounds so far away.

    BJW, his face says, why is this old lady mauling me? LOL I think he might have gone home that night rethinking the free hugs idea. :)

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  12. Very funny! He does look a bit on the uncomfortable side. ;-)

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  13. I read this post yesterday, and it still has me smiling! I remember your hugs - they are GREAT! I'm a great hugger with people I know, but I won't give the REAL hug unless I know the recipient is okay with it. Most of my hugs are just simple pats on the back, haha.

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  14. Your lucky. I'm not a very good hug person, but that's because I have personal space issues.

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  15. That's so funny. He looks huggable, too. I wonder if they ever get any really creepy people coming up to them for hugs. And did you say old woman? Sure. He was probably flattered to have some gorgeous girl enthusiastically throw her arms around him.

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  16. Have you heard of those groups in New York and other big cities that have meetings just to cuddle? They even get in a "puppy pile" at the end of it. It supposedly fulfills this need we have for human interaction. I love hugging...but I'm not so keen on hugging complete strangers!

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  17. Elana, I repeat, he asked for it. LOL

    Michelle, well I feel privileged that I got to experience a real Michelle hug. :) Can't wait to see you again soon.

    Patti, personal space issues? What's that? Are you speaking another language?

    Jessie, he was huggable. They all were. And I'm sure they get creepy people. I should've joined their movement so I could witness it. And, btw, you are now my favorite person for your flattering words.

    Stephanie! Cuddle Meetings!!! What?? That is awesome. Now, as long as no one got creative with their hands (and didn't stink), I would fully support these meetings. :)

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  18. Not to be cynical (well, maybe) but were these guys just being pervs? Sounds sketchy!

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  19. Emily, the fact that they didn't try anything on me and also hugged the less than appealing girl behind me makes me think they were being sincere. But who knows. Just because you don't like to hug total strangers doesn't mean you have to rain on my parade. :) And to let you know you're not the only one with those thoughts, when they left Jared said, "Pftt, 'make people happy?' those boys just want to hug hot girls." :)

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  20. You forgot to mention the ugly red rash on your neck after the hug that I attributed to the free hug guys. You were nervous for an hour or so I believe.

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