Awkward Side Hug........

Listen, I’m not sure how this got started or why, but, the side hug is just awkward. Before I went to church I had never even heard of it. Now you’re saying, “But Vince you’re a youth pastor, you should know what the side hug is”. You’re right, I do- but when it comes to grown people, its gets awkward.

I’ve seen people who normally are not huggers give each other the side hug. Like it an unwritten rule if two people know what the side hug is then they must give each other a side hug. It’s all most like the side hug is some kind of underground cult. Yes, most people who work at a church know about it and the majority of youth pastors and youth groups know, but, outside of that no one else knows, which makes things more awkward.

Have you ever been in the scenario? You say hi to someone and then they go to hug you and you quickly try to turn to the side, creating some kind of awkward train wreck of a hug. They don’t know what you’re doing and now they think there’s something wrong with them or you don’t like them. They may even think they smell. And what about the people who won’t let you go till you give them a normal hug?

I get it – the side hug was probably invented to prevent awkward social embracing and to detour any kind of sexual embrace. I’m not sure but I know this is just plain awkward at times.
So what about you? Do you find side hugs awkward and weird?