Bear Hugs

        Blair stormed into the loft, threw his jacket at the hook and tossed his keys in the general
        direction of the basket.

        Cupboard doors rattled on their hinges and the fridge door was slammed shut.

        Sandburg swore as he kicked his toe on something and looked at his lover with the most
        weary and defeated expression Jim had seen in a while.

        Jim walked towards him and held his arms out.

        Within seconds he had his arms full of warm, wired guide.

        “Bad week huh?” He asked, hugging the smaller man tight.

        “Yeah”

        “Anything I can do?”

        “Just hug harder”
         


      In the traditional bear hug (named for members of the family Ursidae, who do it best), one hugger
      usually is taller and broader than the other, but this is not necessary to sustain the emotional quality of a bear-hugging. The taller hugger may stand straight or slightly curved over the shorter one, arms wrapped
      firmly around the other’s shoulders. The shorter of the pair stands straight with head against the the taller
      hugger’s shoulder or chest, arms wrapped – also firmly!- around whatever area between waist and chest
      that they will reach. Bodies are touching in a powerful, strong squeeze that can last five to ten seconds or
      more.

      The feeling during a bear hug is warm, supportive and secure.

      Bear hugs are for:

      Those who share a common feeling or a common cause.

      Friends (this includes marrieds and lovers, who hopefully are friends too)

      Anyone who wants to say wordlessly, “You’re terrific!” Or “I’m your friend; you can count on me.”
      Or “I share whatever pain or joy you’re feeling.”

      From The Little Book of Hugs by Kathleen Keating
       


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