On ‘Hug Day’, Mumbaikars share how they find solace in hugging their dear ones

At the peak of Valentinersquos week when romance is surely in the air a safe and reassuring hug from your partner is indeed one of the simplest ways to allay fears calm your nerves and warm up for the actual celebration of love on February 14 lsquoHug dayrsquo observed just two days before Valentinersquos Day is yet another reminder to hug those close to you not necessarily someone of romantic interest and to feel no hesitation in looking for physical intimacy from themPallavi Barnwal citybased sexuality researcher and intimacy coach defines hugs as a ldquouniversal sign of loverdquo A single gesture of hugging your close ones can wordlessly communicate care consolation concern joy sadness romance and much moreldquoWe hug during festivals and funerals alike The gesture is accepted in both romantic and platonic love It does not matter what the context is receiving a hug from a loved one makes you feel much better no matter how happy or sad it isrdquo she saysItrsquos not just psychological but also biological as lsquooxytocinrsquo or the love hormone is the key to evoking the sense of comfort and peace ldquoThe same hormone that plays a key role in the bonding of a mother and child is involved in the development of romantic attachments as well So the next time you feel stressed or just want a pickmeup grab on to your loved one if they are willing and stay in their warm embrace for some timerdquo adds BarnwalMidday Online reached out to five youngsters from Mumbai who opened up about how they have sought physical comfort during times of distress and why is it important to hug your friends family and partners once in a whileSnehanshu Shome 25 founder of the blog rahagircoinldquoI feel every form of intimacy is somehow related to things that we want from relationships For me hugging is a show of support It provides the warmth we sometimes require just to feel safe and protected It is an essential expression of love for me Every time my partner and I have to leave for our work or to go back to our places we hug even for seconds if possible It just reassures us we are there as a comfort for each otherIn recent years the need for physical intimacy has definitely evolved Before the pandemic a short hug would be common even in between friends Now we are more scared unsure and wary of physical contact with people I feel people value intimacy now more than ever I am unsure of when the world would change again and I might be stuck alone again And that is why every moment I spend with my partner is valuable and we make sure we realise the worth of itrdquoDarshi Shah 23 development sector professionalldquoFor me hugging someone has always come very naturally in order to express my love happiness sadness or any emotion Being a psychology student I realised why that was the reason mdash because hugging releases oxytocin hormone which actually helps you to calm down and relieve stress Another reason why hugs bring me comfort and solace is because of the proximity and how you can feel close to that person instantly upon hugging them With the pandemic I have tried finding different ways to express myself such as through emojis through my eyes and tone However I would still never miss an opportunity to hug someone if possible Probably the pandemic has just created innovative ways of expressing love and finding comfort but the inner desire for physical touch still is present somewhererdquoHrushikesh Zanzote 24 sales professionalldquoI feel hugging is one of the first acts of expressing love something thatrsquos very natural We seek to feel the similar touch and emotions from our partner by hugging them Itrsquos one of the purest ways to feel each otherrsquos state of mind touch and peace It also depends on whom we are hugging Sometimes itrsquos general but for me hugging my partner is something different with a unique vibe to it I think it is the most effective way of communicating the love we share During the lockdown people were craving hugs and other small acts of physical intimacy This genuine feeling is very rare and only occurs with people whom you find very comforting and understandingrdquoSimran Galipothu 26 communication specialistldquoWhen a person needs reassurance mdash something that cannot be communicated with words in the moment mdash a hug might communicate those feelings I find physical acts of affection like hugging holding hands forehead kiss very comforting Despite this I will not give a hug to just anyone because you are letting that person into your personal space There are different types of hugs depending on the dynamics between two people or also their situations For example after a long day of work I come home and hug my mom When you are meeting someone new you give a short side hug My best friend and I have been friends for 23 years However only in the past few years have we started giving a hug I guess its also because I always knew that my best friend is always going to be there for me therefore I didnt need the physical assurance in the form of a hugWith Covid19 in our lives most of the battles were fought without any support and it was isolating It urged people to seek intimacy It also could be an act of solidarity in the face of loss I remember coming home from the hospital after completing the last rites of my father my elder sister who had travelled from Hyderabad gave me a hug when she met me We held on to each other and cried together It was the first act of physical affection I had received all day a day when I needed it the most It was comforting cathartic and supportiverdquoUrmi Mistry 25 public relations managerldquoHonestly Irsquom a cuddler be it cuddling a person or a blanket on a cozy day Thatrsquos what relaxes my mind and calms me The warmth you feel after hugging your loved ones whether every day or days apart makes you feel loved Besides who doesnrsquot love a good hugBeing away from my friends especially during such tough times was hard because I was more of a social person The pandemic however made me anxious and an introvert For some people it was very difficult being away from friends and family For me I became more attached to my family during that period and realised that they are just as important as your friendsrdquo