I don't see it as that odd. Sometimes a person knows they need a hug and they ask for it - it is for them. They are just being honest about it. My son needed a hug the other day. I knew it was what he needed at the time and was glad to hold him for a few minutes. It doesn't mean he doesn't love me or care about me. Actually, quite to the contrary. It means he values that closeness from me when he's having a rough day.