[LaneyDoll]

Originally Posted by princessbelle

We do way more hugging in my "family" than kissing. I dare say we hug about everyone that walks in our doors.

My family is full of huggers too.

Looking back, it seems to me that "we" lost kissing on the mouth after my sister and I were molested by a stepfather. After that happened, my dad seemed uncomfortable with any show of affection. I can't really say that I blame him either, he probably did not want to trigger any memory for us or make us fearful. These days, his body is so fragile that anything more than a light hug may cause him pain.

My kids and I hug; we do the ASL sign for "I love you" when they get out of the car at school; the little ones will kiss me on the cheek and I will return that kiss; my oldest is at that stage where a kiss, even on the cheek, is not going to happen (he is way too cool for that).

As far as extended family, we may or may not hug. My mom & I see each other at least every other day so we really do not hug. But I hug the rest of my family when I see them & when we part ways.

The only person I kiss on the mouth is the one that I am involved with. I think a kiss is intimate-you are sharing your breath, one of the essences of your life.

I have been this way all of my adult life. I am actually a very tactile AND affectionate person. I love a good hug; I welcome a kiss on the cheek or the hand (which I adore); I love a kiss on the forehead from someone I am close to. I do not share kisses on the mouth although I have no problem at all with people who do.