Q & A: What is an acceptable behavior that people shame others for?

Jokingly, I’d like to say, “live editing.” If someone says “‘For’ is a preposition and ‘is’ is unnecessary. You should have asked, “What is acceptable behavior for which people shame others,” people will look at them like they’re the biggest prick. There’s even a not-so-PC term for people who are Grammatically… um… overly-strict.

My actual answer is, refusing a hug. Saying ‘no’ when approached for a hug is a big deal for some people. The rejections are often taken pretty harshly. The ordeal becomes even crueler for the unwanted hug recipient when they are a child and the requester is family. The added guilt makes the awkwardness even worse.

One shouldn’t have to explain themself if they don’t want to give someone a hug. Sadly, for many people and situations, it is expected and seen as very rude to object. “Why? What’s wrong? Are you upset with me?” “YOU GO HUG GRANDMA RIGHT NOW!” It’s pretty messed up.

I try to impress upon my daughter the power of ‘No.’ I want her to know that she doesn’t owe anyone any physical attention. She doesn’t HAVE to hug, touch, or do anything due to some unwritten family or social obligations.

That being said… I am definitely a hugger. I said it before and I’ll say it again… you see my butt in public and you want a hug, I gotcha ;) ... unless you’re unvaxxed… then the power of ‘no’ kicks in. Sorry, not sorry.