Well MargStone you are blessed then. Not everyone gets or receives even so much as human touch let alone a hug. I respect those that don't like them, but I am not one of them.
You have heard of babies who fail to thrive haven't you? Older people also start to fail, if they need & want physical and virtual 'touch', recognition, tenderness. Yes, and hugs.

I am a respectful hugger in real life, I ask first. But I crave to be touched.

And anybody that wants to send a hug to me today especially, I REALLY need it. I have once again taken a huge emotional hit from someone I love and trust.
I am really really hurting and I will take all the hugs anyone can hand out.
There is no end to mean people it seems, and their expectation that I have an infinite capacity to roll over and take it. I am strong, but not that strong.