I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.
Today’s tip is to get a long hug from someone that is important to you.
I’ve seen research in the past that hugs are beneficial. A couple years ago my wife said that a 10s hug is a good idea, and I started to try it. Those of you that know me well and have seen me at an event in the last year might have gotten a long, perhaps slightly uncomfortable hug.
My apologies if you felt that way, but most people tense up after 2 seconds, but relax after 5 and go with it, especially when I explain they’re here for 10 seconds. A few people, including one of my son’s, have started to look forward to them.
We had dinner with a friend recently, and when I walked up, she stood up, ready for her “bear hug”, as she calls it. It was a nice ten seconds, both of us whispering how good it was to see each other.
A bonus for her, since she got 20s of hugs, one each from my wife and I.