[HEhdidfhflksoekdjdc]

Is this a hippy commune, or is it just to show implied understanding and attempted virtual emotional support? I probably sound like I'm being a jerk. Not attempting to be a jerk, just don't understand the want of implied excessive personal and or physical contact.... Yes It's a serious question. I apologize but it's not like I can ask anybody this sort of stuff in person... Did that when I was 6 and have been steadily confused by people since forever.

[gayleggg]

It is to show implied understanding, that we understand, sympathize, just want to be there for someone when they are down and in need. This is a very supportive site and we use virtual hugs to show our support and caring. I hope this answers your question.

[Webgoji]

I think you said it just right; it implies understanding and virtual emotional support. It's safe online as well because just grabbing someone in real life and hugging them can have disastrous consequences. But here we can to demonstrate to others that they aren't alone with their problems and there are people out there that support them.

(((((hugs)))))

Its all those things. Some people are uncomfortable even with a virtual hug but some people really count on those hugs.

[scorpiosis37]

I understand that the virtual hug is meant to offer emotional support and understanding. Personally, I find it uncomfortable. I realize that it is only virtual, but I can't help but feel like my skin is crawling when my posts get a "hug." I wish I could disable that feature on my posts. I'm just not comfortable with hugs from strangers, even if they're virtual.

[unaluna]

I have been on pc for about 3 years, and the hug used to be a thing you had to make a separate post for. Then they upgraded it so now all you have to do is push a button.

I'm an old hippie altho i never lived in a commune and i dont really remember people hugging all that much back then. I thought it was more of a carryover from alcoholics anonymous and other support group type meetings.

Usually if you state a few times that you dont like hugs, the people who usually respond to your posts will remember and refrain. And maybe sometimes give you a reverse hug like this ))you((

[avlady]

sorry i gave you a hug-didn't realise how much you don't like it. have a good night

[Smileonmyface]

i like the hugs but that's just me.

Sometimes I can't find the words.
I can feel the pain, but am unable to comment (or unable to comment in a way that would make any difference). The only option is a virtual hug.

I wish there was a different way to acknowledge some of the posts that I read. I wonder sometimes if a hug doesn't seem to trivialize or discount feelings...

[H3rmit]

Originally Posted by scorpiosis37

Personally, I find it uncomfortable. I realize that it is only virtual, but I can't help but feel like my skin is crawling when my posts get a "hug." I wish I could disable that feature on my posts. I'm just not comfortable with hugs from strangers, even if they're virtual.

It would be ideal if huggability could be disabled individually, I agree. I was uncomfortable with it at first, and eventually I got used to it here, assuming that pretty much everyone here is quite sincere. Words are better, but quite often I can't find them to give. I think most people would agree with me that if we know you don't like hugs, we won't give them.

[scorpiosis37]

Originally Posted by H3rmit

It would be ideal if huggability could be disabled individually, I agree. I was uncomfortable with it at first, and eventually I got used to it here, assuming that pretty much everyone here is quite sincere. Words are better, but quite often I can't find them to give. I think most people would agree with me that if we know you don't like hugs, we won't give them.

I agree that most who know I do not want hugs would politely refrain from giving them. And, if someone doesn't know I don't want them, I'm certainly not going to be upset that they are giving them. What surprised me though-- and actually felt very disrespectful-- was that two posters (not you) intentionally gave hugs on the post I wrote expressing that i do not want them. I'm actually surprised at that level of disregard for my feelings since, usually, I find PC to be a very supportive place.

Personally, I use the "thanks" button if I don't know what to say or if I want to acknowledge a great post. I strongly prefer that over the "hugs" button because it does not imply physical contact.

Can't stand the hugs. When I see them under one of my posts it actually disturbs me.
I've tried to move to the other side and give them. But I dunno, it just don't feel right for me.

I like the hugs. It makes me feel supported.

it's just a symbol of support to show we understand, as many people irl don't seem to understand what we're going through at all.

I'm not a big fan of the virtual hugs, so I don't give them myself. Just not my thing and seems so artificial. I'm a hugger in real life; it just doesn't translate via the hug button for me. I've kind of learned to just not pay much attention to them.

[Parley]

I'm not a hugger. I don't know who's on the other end of my screen and even if I did~ I don't believe in public displays of affection: Especially on the internet!

I don't care who hugs me when I'm on the internet. I look at it as a head nod because others don't take it so personally.

[sideblinded]

I admit that I was not aware of all of the people who where uncomfortable with the virtual hug. I apologize to all of you who were offended or made uncomfortable by my hugs. I usually hug all new members just to help them to feel comfortable. I am wondering if I need to change my hugging habits. I never meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

[IowaFarmGal]

I guess I'm a major offender if you look at my badge. I apologize, never meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

[connect.the.stars]

I understand how hugging isn't for everyone.

I have found that a lot of people like virtual cookies instead.



But what if they are allergic to the chocolate?

[pegasus]

The way I look at it is this - Some people never get hugs in real life, they may not have anyone that cares about them. A hug here may mean so much to someone online and yet there is no actual contact. The best hug ever.

[Parley]

Originally Posted by sideblinded

I admit that I was not aware of all of the people who where uncomfortable with the virtual hug. I apologize to all of you who were offended or made uncomfortable by my hugs. I usually hug all new members just to help them to feel comfortable. I am wondering if I need to change my hugging habits. I never meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

I don't think the hugging habit should change. It's a support community and I think most people appreciate them. Maybe psych central can come out with a no hugging badge. My luck I'd miss it on my first hug.

[Hexagram]

I can't help it. Show me a button that promises "Hugs" and I'm going to click it.

[Steiner of Thule]

I've gotten used to it. I thought it was strange at first and also found it to be quite annoying even. I tend to just not pay it much mind nowadays. It might be because of the meds that I don't care atm.

[Crazy Hitch]

I hug and thank each post I read. I guess I never really thought much into this. Some people thank. I thank and hug.