I relate totally. I communicate best through writing. I can fake being social for my job, but in my interpersonal relationships outside of work, I'm generally very quiet until I've known someone long enough to know I can trust them.

I don't mind hugs, but only if I want them. I know a couple people who even hug people they've just met, and it creeps me out. To me a hug is a very intimate thing, and if I'm going to let someone touch me, I'd rather it be someone I know already!

One of my dearest friends, of over 20 years' duration now, told me that the first time she met me, she thought I was a total ****** because I came off as kind of aloof and cold. She said after about 6 months of knowing me, she realized what I was *really* like, but it took some time to get to know me. That seems to be pretty common with me, I guess. I don't set out to be aloof, I just don't want to let too much personal stuff fly till I'm sure of the person. I think it's more self-protection than anything.

That was a long-winded way of saying no, I don't think you're weird.

Candy