A simple question perhaps, but answers can often be influenced by differing perceptions about ageing, where "Growing Up" is plainly optional, while "Growing Old" is sadly inevitable.

GROWING OLD

I can only speak for myself, but whenever I embrace someone (whether family or friend) I generally experience a good feeling. A hug, or warm embrace, often expresses far more emotion, than any sentiment heard in the words we utter. The phrase “To welcome with open arms!” comes readily to mind, because it describes a universal invitation, or signal to come closer, while the waiting heart anticipates an imminent surge of pleasure.

If we suspended belief (just for a moment) it would be very easy to imagine, that our hearts might be whispering to each other (during this chest-to-chest contact) or even engaging in “heart-to-heart” conversations…however long those hugs might last. This human need for hugging, seems to be fulfilled very easily, whenever two people decide to engage in a spontaneous embrace, whether or not the motivating emotion was one of happiness or sadness.

Perhaps when a person feels all alone (especially when grieving) that cold, icy feeling, which surrounds the heart, may hopefully relent (momentarily) whilst the comforting warmth radiating from a reassuring hug, seeps slowly into their emotional core. On a much happier note, we often hug when greeting each other, or while saying our fond farewells, which truly demonstrates, just how expressive, a hug or warm embrace can really be.

So, in answer to the question ”Why does a hug feel so good?” I have to admit, that I don’t really know, but I intend to keep hugging my family and friends, as often as I can, to absorb all this “good feeling” that exists. More hugs I say!