Ideas please to politely/effectively refuse unwanted hugs?

I am a hugger ? Always hug family and friends.

On meeting up with 3 gransnetters last week we all hugged and kissed when saying goodbye.

I like to think I would know if someone was not receptive to hugs or kisses.

Sick people janeainsworth who needed empathy as well as medication dignity and respect.

I'm talking the terminally ill not those who had simple and quick procedures such as yourself.

Put your hands up as if to push the hugger away. Take a step back. Look fierce and unfriendly. Wear a t-shirt saying "Do not hug me".

That should sort it.

ellanv you can show empathy for someone without giving them unwanted hugs. To me, empathy is more about listening to people and acknowledging what they are feeling and going through (rather than what you think they might be feeling and going through).
As is obvious from this thread, lots of people don’t welcome physical contact from others.

I don't see what your problem is. If you disagree that's fine by me so why make an issue of it ?

make sure you eat plenty of GARLIC the night before...must be the night before as second hand Garlic is ...yuk!

Very good, bikergran!

I guess from your name you might be from Yorkshire. I am and I am not keen on the amount of social hugging and kissing that now happens in our (Cornish) village. People do seem to just know not to hug me, they will go round the room and miss me out. Fine by me. I like to hug family and some close friends but not everybody in the village.

I don't have a problem, Ellanv.
I just happen to disagree with you, and I'm not 'making an issue' of anything, just contributing to the thread in the normal way.

Normal ? How many posts have you made to tell me how much you disagree ?

I hate being hugged or even touched! ( dgc excepted )

I can't be bothered counting back ellanv but only the same number as you have made to assert your opinion.