Extracts from a Diary

So I met up with a few old friends recently (multiple instances; different sets; essentially, disclaimer for avoiding being identified by said friends). I realised: Hugging is awkward! Now, don't mistake me - I am not this random emotionless cold person or someone with major issues of physical contact with another human. It's more about the social complications that it entails. Consider the scenario of shaking hands. Apart from the complications requiring the understanding of the cultural  background  of the person, there's also additional complications of occasions. I am unexpectedly meeting this colleague at a common party after work and I will meet the person in another 12 hours. But, I shook hands with the others guys, who I was meeting after some time. Or, the timing of it - you offer the hand just as other person looked elsewhere. Or, there's a mismatch on the firmness of the handshake. That encapsulates the complexity of a hug but there are a few other reasons t...