Although I want to stress that the significance of a kiss should not be underestimated, it is important to acknowledge that kisses do not always guarantee safety. It cannot be denied that kissing can bring about feelings of tranquility and comfort, leading to joy and contentment. Lately, I have been engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the disparity between hugs and kisses, contemplating which gesture carries more weight. When I refer to “power,” I am not suggesting domination over another person but rather the capability to effectively convey emotions through these actions.
The undeniable power of a hug has led me to the conclusion that it holds immense significance. Consider this scenario: envision a day filled with misery, where tears are on the brink of falling. Upon arriving home, you are greeted by someone you deeply cherish (this individual could be a friend or family member, not necessarily a romantic partner). On those bitter and frigid days, our instinct is not to rush into giving them an ardent kiss. Instead, in that very moment, what we truly yearn for is their embrace; we desire the sensation of being tightly held. We seek reassurance that we have someone beside us who can provide comfort and support. This longing is not without reason; there exists valid justification behind it!
A hug provides a sense of safety and support that a kiss may not offer. Being embraced assures you that the person holding you is supportive and will be there for you in tough times. A kiss may not provide the same level of reassurance. Think about moments when you felt helpless in your life. Besides things like chocolate, ice cream, or clothes, what did you desire most? It was a hug or comforting touch. Verbal communication alone cannot convey the deep emotions that arise when someone holds you in a silent embrace.
As helpless infants, we seek comfort in the loving embrace of another person. Whether it is a mother or father, holding a baby can ease their distress. The mere act of cuddling an infant can inspire a feeling of assurance to conquer the obstacles we encounter. Ponder upon the occasions when someone dear to you, be it a spouse, companion, or relative, is preparing to leave from a holiday to reunite with you, embark on an airplane for a work journey, or just come back home for the evening.
The act of departure is often accompanied by certain behaviors in humans. In the context of relationships or socially acceptable situations, kissing is a common action. However, even in these cases, the kiss serves as a precursor to something else – the hug! Have you ever wondered why we engage in this behavior? If you were to ask a million people, they would express their love for kisses, and I share that sentiment. Personally, I find immense joy and pleasure in a kiss. However, let’s consider the emotions evoked when longing for a kiss… now compare them to the emotions experienced when craving a hug. Hugging provides a sense of security that kissing simply cannot match. Therefore, my challenge to all readers is to strive towards creating a world where we feel less alone and unsafe despite our increasingly connected digital landscape. Let us embrace more hugs (not necessarily with strangers unless it feels comfortable… or perhaps even with strangers; comfort should guide us).
When encountering someone experiencing pain, a challenging day, or feeling low due to life’s pressures, it is inadequate to merely engage in conversation. The power of words lies in their ability to be supported by actions. It is essential to convey your support and availability during their moments of distress, difficult days, or periods of sadness. Offer a comforting embrace as a source of reassurance that they are not alone. Understand that when you seek solace, you too would value the same sense of safety found within a simple hug!
