[surfacetoair]

This may be the wrong forum for this so feel free to point me in the right direction. In real life, I don't like hugs or hugging. I grew up in a family were displays of emotion just didn't happen very much and this has continued into adulthood. Even after 3 years in Europe where everybody hugs, I still have issues. My friends are a aware of some of my phobias and hang ups and assume it's related. I love and care for people but expressing it causes me anxiety. This even applies here in the forums, where it is a symbolic, anonymous hug without physical. I find this last part to be irrational. Thoughts? I'm not kidding. I would love to click the "hug" button every time a post moves me put I can't bring myself to do it.

[Thunder Bow]

No need to worry or feel bad. This what you are use to. Be in charge of your own space. Hugs can be superfical. You may feel more comfortable with genuine hugs.

[hvert]

I felt weird the first few times I clicked the hug button too, because I am a huge non-hugger in real life. Maybe you could click the 'Thanks' instead? It sends the same message, that you read the post and were moved by it.

[surfacetoair]

Some people really seem to need a hug more so than a thanks. It's just irrational and I'm going to overcome it. Maybe it can help me get over my fear of showing emotion in real life? Maybe so. I won't talk about my problems in real life outside of the T office, but I do it here. Taking a deep breath........