I just had one of those wow moments while reading a post from Silver Lining Mama. That “aha” moment. How many issues might be fixed by just simply asking that one question. Five little words. And my minds starts wandering and I start wondering, if it could be that simple…
Do you need a hug? Or: Do you want a hug?
It works wonder with the kids, as Jan points out in her post. So I wonder. I wonder if it would work between adults too.
We live in such a hectic and busy world. People are stressed out and worried. Now imagine you walk up to them and simply as “do you need a hug?” I bet most of them actually need a hug. And I bet most of them would feel so much better after the hug.
And then my mind starts playing with the idea of solving conflicts… Imagine if those leaders instead of arguing would suddenly stop, breathe, think and then ask, if the other one needs a hug. I know, I know… I’m shaking my head slightly here too, don’t worry. But still… Imagine, suddenly conflicts would be solved by something as simply as a hug.
No more weapons, no more fights, no more wars… no more scared people, no more injured or killed civilians, no more children crying over the loss of their parents or parents over the loss of their children.
Bar fights? Ask, if the other one needs a hug instead of hitting each other with beer bottles or punching the other one in the face. I know, I know… that would probably trigger that punch… but still. Imagine it would work! No more victims of one hit punches. No more bottles over heads, no more broken noses or worse. Solved by a hug.
I know it sounds like a pipe-dream. But why not. In most cases we can probably not solve the situation with a simple hug. Maybe we could but I guess nobody would admit that a hug would be the only thing they really crave. On the other hand there are so many situation where a simple hug could make a huge difference. On the small scale. In your family, with your friends and maybe even with your co-workers.
Maybe sometimes it would be the better solution to simply stop, breathe and ask “do you need a hug” instead of start an argument. So next time when you feel that you steam up, stop and breathe and then either ask if your opponent would like to get a hug or even go one step further and admit, that you would love to be hugged.
try it out in one of your pubs and let us know how it worked out. 😉
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Hehehehe…
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take pictures too. Ha ha! I love touring with Aussies. They’re full of beans.
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Oh they are…
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I love getting and giving hugs *hugs you* XD
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And right back to you 🙂
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And what a nice world that would be! 😊
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Right? That’s what I thought when reading your post… and when I started writing… and while writing…
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Imagine all the people…..hugs would be great
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Yeah… how nice would it be…
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I love it!
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Thanks!
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Anytime
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So timely!!! One of the Suicide Prevention organizations I support has a #HugChallenge they’re working on because the founder. a suicide attempt survivor, received an amicable hug that changed her entire life. Wearing their armbands in my photo here http://wp.me/p5ySTq-98!
Appreciate you and your blog so much.
e
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That is so awesome!
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I’m a firm believer in hugging!!!! Come close to me, you know you’ll get a hug!!!
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I’ll let you know next time I desperately need one 😉
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Any time!!!! I learned from the best, my Pops is the bestest hugger in the world!!! Those true huge, all encompassing bear hugs! My kids at school get em from me all the time!!!
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🙂 Jan is so right! It’s the best medicine, the best solution for everything 🙂
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Absolutely!!! 😊
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My dad used to pat my head twice instead of a hug!Weirdly enough those two quick pats, I usually reserve for my dogs, worked out quite well for me. 😀
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Ha…
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My illustrator’s catchphrase is, “all everyone’s looking for is a hug.” As for me, I’m a self-confessed hug-a-holic 🙂
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Oh I love hugs too and that’s a good catchphrase!
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The idea of solving international conflicts only with a hug doesn’t sound too absurd! Yep, imagining it … ok! But on the other hand it only feels peculiar because it wasn’t done yet. We are used to solve problems with providing the best arguments. Mostly there is no intention to find compromises but only a way to make the own needs more tasty for the other party. It is always only deals! Solving conflicts with love still seems to be a sign of weakness. How stupid, when in the end it is the only way to make peace. Great inspiration again from you!
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Oh thank you, I appreciate it! And very well said! It’s the only way to make peace!
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😊
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A teacher of child care once told me that we all need at least five hugs a day to satisfy our affection needs. So how many times did I hug today?
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I heard that too!
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You described unrealistic options not because it’s not applicable – as most problematic people are frustrated about something – but because it’s pride and ego that rules stronger in these moments.
So, why not? Who knows?
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Maybe one day…
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Thank you for sharing this post with us! Will post today. 🙂
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Wonderful 🙂
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