She recalled witnessing a very scared, angry and frustrated foster child lashing out at his foster mom. The mom grabbed the child and smothered him with a hug while he continued to lash out, trying desperately to get away. He succumbed, sobbing, in the security of her embrace.

It made me recall reading an article about customer service and sales training. The training instructed salespeople, when confronting an angry customer, to shake their hand. I believe the article quoted some study that claimed touch would bring down one’s heart rate or have some calming effe. Shortly after reading that article I had an angry exchange with the guy who sold me my car. It wasn’t really an exchange since I was the only angry one. I remember expressing my displeasure with regard to things that weren’t done to the car prior to delivery and the long way I had to travel to resolve the issues. The salesman mumbled an apology and extended his hand for me to shake. He must have gone through the training.

But I knew better. I was angry and planned on staying that way until the items were fixed. I said, “I don’t want to shake your hand! Just fix my car!” I know, kind of a dick thing to say but since he didn’t deliver when he shook my hand after signing the purchase agreement, I figured his handshake didn’t mean much anyway.

Personally, I believe in the power of touch. Especially when you’re in a relationship. You hold hands. You snuggle. You spoon. You hug. It calms you. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy. It gives you a sense of security and connection. But when you’re single all that touching goes away. All but the hugs. Because you don’t need to be in a relationship to give and get hugs.

I’m a hugger. I admit it. And everyone knows it. Handshakes are too formal, especially with people I see all the time. High fives are just silly. I brought the fist-bump back with me from California, but most of the time using it is awkward. So hugging it is. I’ll hug family, girl friends, guy friends, and people I just met as long as I like them. Most anyone. It fills the void created by not having a partner. And I suggest to anyone that is single to become a hugger as well. Have a bad day? Find yourself a hug. Having a great day? Share the happy and give a hug. Hug and hug often is what I say. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Let’s hug on it.