Watch your thought, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
- Motto, Metropolitan Milwaukee YMCA
Perhaps I feel this way because my wife is affectionately known as "The Happy Hugger." If it's moving she'll stop it and hug it, and if it's not moving, she'll dust it off and sell it! However, there's another reason I believe hugging is the answer. According to Greg Risberg of the Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, the physiological benefits of hugging include a reduction of blood pressure and increased oxygen in the blood. He says that we all have a "skin hunger," and we are missing out on a vital part of our health if we're not getting in on some serious hugging. He maintains that four hugs a day are the minimum required to meet that skin hunger. From my perspective, I need lots more than four. Stanley Simon of the University of Massachusetts says that "hugging does more demonstrate affection. It actually seems to keep people healthy. The skin is the body's largest sensory organ. If it's under stimulated, many people actually develop an aching sensation. These are the people who will find it harder to get well and to stay well."
For the benefit of you husbands, let me tell you something about your wives. They love hugs but resent it when you ignore them all day and then give them your undivided attention when the lights go out at night. They want a hug when a hug is all you have on your mind. They don't necessarily want them to be long, and in most cases, they do not want them to be suggestive or sensual. The hug really says, "I love you, I enjoy being around you, your're important to me, I look forward to spending more time with you." There's an old saying that actions speak louder that words, and to take a few seconds a number of times during the day to get and give those nonsuggestive hugs really speaks volumes. Give it a try.
~ When you act like a skunk, someone will eventually get wind of it. ~
Unquote.
Dear husband and wife, when is the last time that both of you hug one another?
When is the last time you say "I love you" to one another?
If you did not hug or say that to your spouse, most probably, you also did not do that to your children.
It only takes you a second to say "I love you" and another two to give a good hug.
Start doing it if you have not done so.
Do it for a day, you will see small changes.
Do it for a long time, you will see miracle.
