I sometimes get a bit iffy about hugging people in real life but I like hugging family and good friends.

I don't hug in real life nearly as much as I give virtual hugs, though. Sometimes I agonize thinking about how little my hugs on here might be worth. I give a hug to anyone I feel might need one. I often hug instead of replying. I never give a hug if I haven't read a post and thought about whether to give one or not. And if someone says they don't want hugs (I've seen it in a signature or two) I respect that.

I know that, at least for me, a hug or thanks shows that someone has read my post even if they didn't reply, and maybe my post wasn't totally pointless. I still struggle with self-esteem and related issues; have all my life. I guess I feel the pros of hugging outweigh the cons.

And here I am agonizing about hugs. Argh!