Column | Asking Eric: Family friend demands hugs, despite parents’ objections

Dear Eric: We recently traveled to a nearby city to visit my mother. While we were there, Mom’s friend Helen stopped by for a visit. We have met Helen before and know her to be a hugger. My 16-year-old daughter Missy, in order to avoid the inevitable hug, stationed herself on the far side of the dining room table but Helen, not to be denied, rounded the table with arms outstretched. Missy, at our suggestion, extended her hand for a handshake but Helen moved to sweep her arm away. Missy took a step back and said, “I don’t like to hug.” At this point I stepped in to redirect the conversation and the hugging issue was dropped.

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