PO Box 1980

Unlike Pat S., the author of "Hugs" (November 2004), I was not shy about this matter of hugging when I came to AA. I like hugs and have often been told that I give good ones. I like to hug and be hugged by men and women. I do, however, try to be sensitive to who wants to be hugged and who does not. One of my closest friends in AA does not always like to be hugged, especially by men, and was very appreciative that I asked first. I think it is very important that we respect those who do not want to be touched. I shudder to think that with an intention to hug everyone who walks in the door, we may be in danger of pushing some suffering alcoholic right back out the door.