
Hugging might be back but not for me – I still embracing Covid personal space
The IndependentStay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. For a few days afterwards it made me consider how many times I, too, may have invaded someone’s personal space with an unsolicited hug, so normalised had they become. A touch on the arm to acknowledge someone’s joke, a squeeze of the hand to comfort a friend in need – physical contact can say so much more than words. We’re teaching children from a young age that their desire for personal space doesn’t matter, instead of reenforcing in them the importance of regaining control over it – and consenting only when they feel comfortable. Instead of being made to cuddle Auntie Sue, a child should choose if they want to accept physical contact, so they can learn that they don’t have to please adults by relinquishing their consent.
History of this topic

After pandemic hunkering, the art of reopening your home
Associated Press
Affection deprivation: What happens to our bodies when we go without touch?
The Independent
Post-COVID vaccine hugs: Readers share first interactions
LA Times
COVID-19 gave us ‘skin hunger’ and ‘touch deprivation.’ We’re fighting back with hugs
LA Times
Covid: How no touching has affected your mental health
The Independent
Don’t hug family, friends at high risk for Covid-19 during holiday season, WHO advises
Firstpost
How personal contact will change post-Covid-19
BBC
Coronavirus: Prevent spread of deadly virus with 'less hugging and kissing', says virologist
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