The Awkward Hug

Two girls were walking together on the sidewalk. They appeared to know each other as they made casual conversation and gave each other courtesy laughs --- the ones where the joke really isn't funny, but a laugh is required as a proper response anyway. Then, as they reached their destination, the moment came. It's the moment most people cringe when thinking about, let alone actually doing. It was time for the awkward hug: the kind that two people are supposed to carry out as a friendly action but really don't want to perform.

The girls leaned over, just enough to barely reach each other, and gave a few light pats on the back, then went on their ways. It was a very minor pain, but still a moment the girls were probably glad to get out of the way.

Every person in his or her life will experience the awkward hug at least once. It's nearly unavoidable in certain social situations, and there are so many different ways for it to creep up. There are a lot researchers who tackle this uncomfortable stage in social environments and give multiple examples of how it can come about, some less scientific than others. The video below from vimeo.com gives a visual look at what can happen in a dreaded awkward hug situation.

While the video is meant to be more humorous than scientific, it still accurately shows how hugs can be dangerous things, socially. But contrary to how the awkward hug might make people want to grind broken glass into their bare hands, research has shown that hugging is actually healthy.

As described on easier.com, Peter Spalton, a body language expert from Great Britain, says there is actually more to hugging than what is on the outside. According to his findings, hugging causes the body to produce more Oxytocin, the "feel good" hormone. Also, a 20-second hug a day affects how happy and relaxed a person can be throughout his or her day.

"Hugging is a wonderful tonic," said Spalton. "It makes you feel energized and gives you an emotional boost ... which is why people in a healthy relationship are happier and feel less stressed."

So, if the health research is correct, maybe those trying to avoid the awkward hug situation should actually embrace it, pun intended, in order to gain a better emotional attitude. Stop wiggling to get away from the creepy co-worker and give him a squeeze. It's good for you.