Are you embarrassed to embrace ?
That other day in news I watched Rahul Gandhi embracing our honourable Prime Minister of India .The whole country laughed over his embarrassing jiff. No, I’m not here to discuss my political views, definitely not that.
Cause anyway since the incident, that’s the least thing discussed. I’m here to tell you why Narendra Modi is my spirit animal. His ‘hug’ moment is what I relate my entire life to.
I could just immediately connect with Narendra Modi’s horrible state cause he wasn’t ready for that hug. His reaction was apt to describe what I go through all the damn time. We never get a heads up before this act of travesty, right? There are various instances when people are not ready or prepared, be it for their first job, their first test, or even the marriage. You may call it a first world problem, but I think giving people hugs is huge . I’m never ready for a hug, and I don’t think people who can relate with me are even.
It’s because hugs gets so AWKWARD. Doesn’t mean that we are cold hearted or ‘anti-affectionists’.
The hugs reach the heights of awkwardness when we go to drop someone off, the silly old airport farewells. For example, it's your friend with whom you have met after ages. Now you have an idea when the person is going to take off. Within instantaneous moments you try to predict what their next move would look like. You make weird gestures. Smile awkwardly and say, "Hey man, see you then!" or just "Okay bye, bro".
But the person resists, you make up your mind and make tough choices mentally. "Maybe I should hug him or maybe not". You finally give in, your arms wide open. If the person gets the the hint, then you feel contented over your supposed act of bravery. Or else, it just gets converted into a wannabe Shahrukh Khan pose. In return, all you get is a weird hand wave-cum-half hug or just nothing which happens with me 99% of times. * Face palm *
Still all these things are not that awkward for me. I believe that western culture has influenced us in doing so. Gone are those times when we would join our hands and greet with a simple namaskar. Speaking of cultural norms,have you ever thought about hugging your relatives/family members? We all have those aunties who meet you after ages and immediately pounce on you saying, "Hayeee, kitni badi hogayi!"
No, woman, I was not ready for this attack. I get buried under her sheer bulk and there’s no way out unless she decides to let me go. Which is, when I’m suffocated enough by her love literally and figuratively. I have no idea what will stop these aunties from hugging me.
Should I wear a sign board like a rickshaw’s meter saying ‘DO NOT TOUCH !?
I don’t understand this human version of Chipko Andolan either . Do you undergo through those weird moments when your hand is stuck between the hug, or those side hugs with the space between your hips? Let’s not forget the most embarrassing one where you get a handshake instead.
People marching from 'Free hugs’ club will absolutely disagree with me saying "Jaadu ki jhappi works, hun". Have you ever thought how this Jaadu ki Jhappi of yours is just a one sided thing.
You don’t ever ask for other person’s consent before doing so. But again, it’s India, so let’s just not talk about all this.
Okay so I do adore and envy people who find hugging COMFORTABLE. Your confidence and trust on people is commendable.But hey, don’t you think it’s big time now and we should start exploring other ways to showcase our love and affection? Like a wave, a warm smile with a nod to accompany it or just a firm, friendly handshake ? Is that too much to ask now? How about a dab? Argh I should just stop now ….
