Thunder Matt's Saloon
Hugs, not drugs.
I am a huge proponent of the man-hug. I believe that the man-hug should be accepted and celebrated in our Post-9/11 society. However, I find two causes which will hinder the man-hug's short-term acceptance. These barriers are generational and geographic.
Living in California, I hug most male acquaintances (outside of work) upon greeting them. Usually this happens on the weekends in social settings. I can also hug my dad at will. However, I cannot hug my dad's best male friend. Those over the age of, say 40, have yet to embrace the potential of the man-hug.
My recent wedding was a mixture of people from the Midwest and people from California. Even in such an emotional and life-changing setting, it was deemed socially inappropriate to attempt a man-hug with anyone from the Midwest. If the recipient is not already acclimated to the prospects of the man-hug, things can get incredibly awkward. I once naively attempted a man-hug on my father-in-law's best friend. Our relationship, while still intact, certainly took a step backwards.
There are certain people that I will never attempt a man-hug with simply in fear of damaging the male experience. This is unfortunate, but a reality. Even in this Post-9/11 society.
The man-hug with a male relative can be awkward if your family has the typical American level of personal distance like mine. We don't like to invade each other's space. I hug my grandfather, but thats about it. Dad and I get by with a nice firm handshake.
Do the same rules apply to the underused 'bear hug'?
My dad generally just punches me.
Hugs are for sissies.
man hugs are the best !
i just love them ! lol, but i dont do them because i dont have the chance.
but i am really pro them.
if women can do it, why guys not ?
having the same rights is equal even in things like that
I was at a bar once, and a friend introduced me to his friend, who liked wrestling. Without giving it another thought, I gave him a big bearhug and lifted him off the ground. When I let him back down he replied with a big smile on his face, "MAN, I LOVE THIS GUY!".
Men like masculine hugs. It's a form of male bonding.
Nice post. I've heard it said that the man hug is more acceptable if it somehow involves pain. ;) By the way, you might enjoy my recent post, "Why are Men Closer in Other Countries?."
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