To Fred---Hugs are wonderfully therapeutic to hugger and huggee--yes, do take the risk--you might even get hugged back! We have one daughter who's a hugger,one who isn't, but_we_ hug them both---and a daily hug or two between us keeps the joints well oiled :-) It's hard to change, but if you are motivated, you can---go for it! Camilla Flintermann in Oxford,OH "People tend to become what you tell them they are..."