Because it's a physical expression of how close we are emotionally. It just goes together and seems natural and authentic. I think this is the main reason. However, I've had another benefit and maybe T had this in mind too?--I am not really a huggy person, so this gives me an opportunity to practice a new behavior that I can then take out into real life.

A few years ago my T seemed shocked when he heard I had never hugged my mother. That made me realize that perhaps my family's way of relating was not the norm, or at least not the only option. Since that time, I have begun hugging my mom and I am glad we now share this. No one else in my family is really able to hug. I don't think this was my T's main reason, but it ended up being a good outcome.