SoulKat

How do I gracefully let fellow AA members that I don't like hugging or being hugged? At every meeting I've ever been to it seems everyone wants to hug everyone at the end. I'm not even a big hugger of my close family.

Any suggestions on how to handle this gracefully and not appear rude or cold?

least

When they approach you, hold out your hand for a handshake. Step to one side if you must to avoid being hugged. I know what you mean. It used to bother me too.

Raider

That's a good post. I'm a hugger and assume everyone wants to hug me back. I come from a long line of hungers. Now if someone sticks out there hand to me, I will assume they don't want to wear me like a fur coat. Hahahaha! Ok that'll hurt.

SoulKat

That's a good suggest least. I will give the handshake thing a try.

2bhappier

Interesting. No one has ever hugged me at AA. Maybe I smell?

least

Maybe you're attending the "non hugging" meetings. The one I used to go to was full of huggers. I did the handshake thing as I don't like to hug total strangers.