One of the five "most read" stories this week in the New York Times is old news to me after living in the South for the past six years(and part of Bill's family for twenty-nine years of marriage). The article, entitled "For Teenagers, Hello Means 'How About a Hug?" (published May 27, 2009), analyzes a current trend among teenagers who greet each other with a hug. An amazing new greeting? It is interesting to me that the writer only quotes people living in the Northeast and San Francisco. Memphis must be a trendsetter. I am convinced that people in Memphis have been hugging each other hello, goodbye, and so good to see you, since the beginning of time. And that is one of the things I love about living in Memphis. People here hug -- and they mean it. And it makes life a lot sweeter.
3 comments:
Memphis, putting it lightly, has stretched me! I'm not that touchy-feely, but all of my friends are. So I'm a hugger now!
I have converted too, Heather. I came from a family whose idea of affection was shaking your hand when you graduated from college. Bill's family would hug when they were leaving to go to the grocery store.
I have had total strangers hug me in Memphis. And embraced regularly by dear friends too.
sweet!
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