Social distancing has been one of the surprising benefits of the pandemic. Being told to keep away from others was something that I would gladly accept, as I’m not one to hug people.
This meant that I was disappointed to learn that the 2-metre rule had been relaxed to 1-and-a-half metres and made optional. It indicated that the country was again on the slippery slope towards cuddling strangers.
Researchers have found that hugging has a positive effect on stress levels. Experts have found that a 10-second hug is more beneficial than a 5-second cuddle, based on studies of single and mixed sex participants.
Janet Street-Porter says the approach of a stranger with arms outstretched is intrusive and invasive (file image)
They’ve even prescribed regular hugs for elderly people to lower their depression. You can’t believe how much time, money, and brains these people are occupying with all this.
It is possible to have the same effects with just a cup of tea and some conversation.
The habit arrived when us Brits became ‘in touch’ with our feelings a decade ago
A team from Oxford University claims that people being hugged said ‘it fulfilled a deep need’. Not as far as I’m concerned. The intrusiveness and intrusion of strangers with outstretched arms is what I find intrusive.
They can encircle my body with an unwelcome embrace, and then, horror of all horrors, they will slap me on the cheek. I’m incandescent.
Naturally, I don’t let this show. I disentangle myself with a fixed smile, rush to the toilet or the safe space of my car, where I wipe down any flesh that’s been touched with sanitiser.
Hugging arrived when us Brits became ‘in touch’ with our feelings about a decade ago. Covid was born, and I took a deep breath of relief.
My love ones are the people I snuggle. However, I am careful about strangers as well as my coworkers. Bring back social distancing this winter and I’ll be a happy bunny.