We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.
—Virginia Satir, family therapist

We’re going to get touchy-feely here today. I love hugs! Mr. Virgo and I couldn’t be in the same room without touching each other. We were openly, physically demonstrative and for me, that was like water to a desert flower. For those of you who are widowed or who live alone, for whatever reason, you know how it feels to not have anyone to hug and to hug you back. Certainly the quick hugs we sometimes get when we greet friends and good acquaintances feel good, but I’m talking about the “will you hold me a little while” kind of hugs. This is more likely to be from a family member, but even they have their limits as to how long a hug should be held and still remain comfortable. A good long hug just doesn’t happen…at least not nearly often enough, when you are alone.

When I went through a very painful divorce 14 years ago, I asked my doctor to prescribe therapeutic massage for me so I could receive regular human touch. I haven’t done that since losing Mr. Virgo, but I’m getting ready to. When I was heading to my grief counseling appointment yesterday, I decided I’m going to have to do something to get more hugs. I have some ideas for a hugging project that I am still formulating and I’ll bring them to you as I develop the idea further. But in the meantime, if you see me on the street, by all means….hug the stuffin’s outta me! My hug titer is LOW!

Have a wonderful Friday, everyone….and go hug somebody!!!