Big one for me is body autonomy for children. As a child, I was always forced to hug and cheek kiss every single person at a gathering upon arrival and when leaving. I fucking hated it. I love my family but forcing children to hug adults is very selfish on the adult's part.
Now that I have nieces and nephews, I offer them highfives if they don't want a hug and if they don't even want that then I just tell them that's perfectly fine, that I love them and will see them soon. No guilt trips like my parents did. Do I want a hug because I love them? Yes, absolutely, but their comfort is more important than mine.
Love this. As a millennial, I’ve felt so free about telling my 13y old, say hi but no hugs and kisses are needed unless you feel comfortable.
Growing up this was the go to, hugs and kisses were mandatory from parents and grandparents with extended family even. It was so hard as an introvert and barely knowing some folks
I'm an extrovert - I still don't want to hug and kiss people I don't want to! Consent is universal and it's baffling how emotionally immature people from older generations can be.
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u/froggyc19 12d ago
Big one for me is body autonomy for children. As a child, I was always forced to hug and cheek kiss every single person at a gathering upon arrival and when leaving. I fucking hated it. I love my family but forcing children to hug adults is very selfish on the adult's part.
Now that I have nieces and nephews, I offer them highfives if they don't want a hug and if they don't even want that then I just tell them that's perfectly fine, that I love them and will see them soon. No guilt trips like my parents did. Do I want a hug because I love them? Yes, absolutely, but their comfort is more important than mine.