giving hugs

LOL I'm thinking, a pair that require two people to push them at the same time...

If they add a badge that counts hugs received, and Treehouse gets the most, does that mean we're all a bunch of tree huggers?

LOL!!

like you just the way u r...phone and all.

I have stopped by the last two days, and I have enjoyed learning about the thanks and hugs buttons.

I can see the view that it can make giving hugs seem like a popularity contest. On the other hand, when I used to come here, some people are maybe not so good at writing out their thoughts, and the hugs button might help them show they care.

Also, it can give the person posting a lift. I came here at a very low point in my life. Seeing how often I posted became meaningful to me; it meant I fit in somewhere, that there were some people who accepted me; and that I could offer support as well as receive it. I can see the flip side, too: someone who is really down and feeling disconnected and not posting might feel even worse when looking at the numbers.

I agree with that we probably ought not read too much into it.

yea...I get a little intimidated that my hug badge has a lower number on it...I have been trying to ramp up the hug button use...lol. Funny how such a little thing can stress you out.

what??? You've got to be kidding me hankster...you are the love of pc.

OK, so now that someone bumped this thread, I'm gonna put my 2cents in it! The hug button and this debate happened while I basically on leave of absence.
Anyway, I don't mind the button, I don't mind using it. Sometimes when I can't think of words to say or don't have time to post much, I use them. I appreciate getting them (though I don't get many and that's OK too) but I really would rather have meaningful thought-provoking words.
I do think there's something to the idea that the button cheapens the sympathy/empathy a bit, by making it so quick ..... it can be done with almost not thinking much about it. Sort of an automatic response. And where's the deeper meaning of the hug in that?
In RL, I'm not a big hugger, but I do like them. I'm not so much a fan of the casual hug; if I'm getting one, I want it to be a heartfelt, whole-hearted, deeply meant one.
Here's the thing that niggles at me the most - that counter! I don't like it. It isn't necessary at all. It's not something that needs to be advertised, put on display. It can put pressure on people, which really is counterintuitive in producing behavior that is genuine and authentic. It can be deceptive and has the potential to lead to judgment. Oh, so and so is really sympathetic/empathetic; so and so is not...
OK, my pennies for thought are spent. Over and out..... hugs to all!

(Fawlty Towers voice) "Don't mention the counter!"

Haha you made me laugh out loud! I LOVE Basil Fawlty!

The "thanks" and "hugs" buttons were already in place when I got here. I kind of like them.. but like you, the running counter under people's names bugs me.. it's just weird. I can't imagine keeping "score" on my friends and family - how many times each one hugs me. eew!

I'd rather not have the hug counter. Part of my problem is OCD and not being able to keep myself from touching the button. I mean, I DO mean it, but the moment I think I should hug, I have to hug. What's the point of the counter??

And now I desperately want to tease you about the number of hugs you have given.

AND give you a hug.