My father came from a very small town in the rural mid west. His family was totally non-touchy. As an adult, he would give me a big grin and maybe a hand on the shoulder or a pat on the back.
I was surprised when I got married and my father-in-law, also from a very small, rural mid western town would give me a big bear hug. No handshake was good enough for his family. At first, it seemed odd, but then it made me think about what had I been missing out on.
I hug and kiss my son. But I have to say that it has taken some effort. It seems the patterns at an early age, at least with me, are hard to change. But it feels so good when I do it. Nothing beats a good hug.
I love seeing families hugging and kissing each other in an easy natural way. I'm all for it and my wife promotes it.
