Maybe you and I should just stand there and hug each other.

When Maria was here, when we first met up, we hugged, and then she asked, "Wait, is hugging okay?" (Which is very sweet, and I appreciated that.) The safe rule of thumb with me is that if I don't hesitate, if I make the open-arms huggy motion instead of keeping my arms welded by my side, I'm definitely good with it.

That said, I know it's ridiculous to expect people to have to stop and decipher my body language, and I need to just say right away that I'm fine with hugging (and/or ask them if they're fine with hugging).

We need a hugging handkerchief code. Or signs.

I believe we discussed a a detailed nametage system for f2fs, some years ago.

I'm reading along and nodding where appropriate, and learning from different experiences.

Pete said one of the saddest, creepiest things he's ever seen was on the night my mom was admitted to the ICU. We were in the waiting room with my dad, and whenever anyone else came into the waiting room (doctor, nurse, random stranger), my dad and I immediately switched on into "charming, set people at ease" mode. Neither of us were aware we were doing it, but we did.

Mom is like this. She's normally very cheerful and gregarious, and even when sick feels like she has to be that way for others even if the effort drains her and makes her feel worse. That's why my cousin and I had to stonewall non-family about visiting her in the hospital; with either of us (or Dad) she's comfortable enough to just rest and concentrate on recovering, but her friends would have worn her out from all the wearing a brave face.

I'm generally a hugger. Especially on saying good-bye more than hello.

I think I hugged Steph when I met her. I know there was ... other contact. Ahem.

That said, I know it's ridiculous to expect people to have to stop and decipher my body language, and I need to just say right away that I'm fine with hugging (and/or ask them if they're fine with hugging).

Eh, I don't know about that. Social cues go both ways. If someone's walking up with open arms and the other person doesn't make a move to hug back, don't hug them!

I'm reading along and nodding where appropriate, and learning from different experiences.

Me too. Also, super grateful to my mom for explicitly telling me that any emotions I had were ok to feel and express or not express as I wanted. Good job, Mom.

Bok choy stir-fried with bacon, eggs, soy sauce and ginger is entirely delicious and probably healthy and, maybe most importantly, made a serious dent in my fresh produce haul from last week.

Ooh, that sounds good, too! I will remember for when I get bok choy.

Heh, just noticed that my tag is on topic!