Hugging is good for you.

Our bodies crave human contact from the moment of birth.  Babies are calmed by being held. At any age, a hug activates the parasympathetic nervous system, and lowers the blood pressure.  A hug lets the person know you care.

At churches people offer one another God's Peace with a handshake.  I look at it as 'passing love'.   God's peace can be passed through words, a handshake or even a hug.  Yup, I offer a hug!  I do ask "Can I hug you?", and then give a big long hug.  I can feel people relax in my arms and then feel them hugging back.  Many older people may not have much contact during the week if they live alone and they appreciate the genuine moment of caring.  I often get a response to my hug with "Thank you."  This is a great article in Higher Perspectives with the science of hugging.  "Hugging is the most beautiful form of communication that allows the other person to know beyond a doubt they matter."