If there is one thing I really struggle with in others..
It’s inauthenticity
In particular
“Never feign affection” - from the Desiderata

Thanks to @little turtle, @Rohag, @Thirty shades, Mickey Cheeky, Sò leigheas, Crypts and others here who are “leaders” in showing empathy and genuine kindness. And in not judging or shaming anyone .......

I realise I’ve left many out... that isn’t intentional . I don’t want to make too long a list

my parental units were pathological liars

When I give a hug to someone, online or in real life, it’s to show genuine support

I’m also capable of sometimes giving support... a clicked hug or even a posted hug to someone in need isn’t too hard to do... to someone I may not “like” - but maybe I need to rethink this?? I don’t know why though.. I have enough empathy to spare for almost everyone.

A therapist who said he had no “empathy” for me... well.. I didn’t pay to hear that
sort of crap. If he was feeling frustrated there are kinder and less shaming ways of saying that I do not appreciate being shamed for not being perfect ....

(Not suggesting anyone here does otherwise. .. as in who am I to judge whether Hugs are “sincere” or not.. I just know that mine are ..)

My PUS parental units didn’t hug me.. that wouldn’t have cost them anything.. to give a bear cub a hug