This week is "Free Hug Week" at my school. To see a complete rant about my feelings, check my blog. For now, I'm just wondering if I am a cranky old bat, or if anyone else sees this as disturbing?
I teach high school. If it were kindergarten, I'd be less bothered, I think. For now, all I can do is brace myself for the onslaught of random people trying to hug me.
Do you think I'll get fired if I wear a sign saying "Touch me and I'll punch you"?!

Yeah, you might get in trouble for that.

I'm surprised they are even having this week for high school kids. At most schools you can't touch another person without getting in trouble.

I too am suprised they are having thins for high schoolers. When I was in H.S. it was considered a P.D.A if you got caught hugging someone, some teachers would warn you and some would send you straight to detention. I think you should wear the sign!

Don't they have that bad flu where you are?
With all the health warnings about it, this seems reckless to me.

I'd use some spray sanitizer like Mace any time someone came in for a hug.

Sign could say "I have spray sanitizer, and I know how to use it!"

I know....odd. But our VP is a "touchy feely love everybody" sort of person.

Oh. Gag me.

Gah. I'd be wearing a sign:

Touch me and I will hit you upside your head with a baseball bat

That's rather disturbing. I would be afraid. How about just being nice all the time? I don't understand why the leadership would even sponsor it.

Very odd.

Mensch, if that picture is you, you look like you could be my mothers sister. WOW! What a beautiful woman.

Our schools don't let the kids hug each other, even in elementary school. My oldest is a hugger and has been told several times that she can shake hands with classmates or give them a high five, but no more hugging.

My youngest on the other hand, feels the way you do. Yesterday one of the neighbors patted her on the head and she snapped, "Stay out of my bubble!"

Ugh. I hate people in my bubble. Unless I invite you, you are not welcome!

I can't believe at least ONE parent hasn't phoned the school to complain about this ......keep the Purel handy!

ShelleyMJ, nope that's not me! It's Miep Gies, one of my childhood heroes.

Just stop showering. Eventually they won't even want to come near you. Then next year, they'll remember, "That's the smelly one!"

For me, I have a bit of claustrophobia when it comes to people in my personal space. I also don't like to be touched by random people (especially men). In your shoes, I would approach the principal or someone in charge and ask if you can wear a sign that says, "I appreciate you wanting to hug me, but please don't." or something like that. Just because it's not stressful for others doesn't mean that it's the same for everyone.

I would normally sign this with an e-hug, but I read your blog.

Free hugs, horny teenagers. HMMMM work for a bunch of rocket scientists do ya?

Mike

Ooh, OOH - I know... TONS OF PERFUME!

Not as obvious as macing them with sanitizer, but if you can take it yourself...

That way you can't get in trouble for not wanting to do the hugging thing.

I found out where s/he got the idea... National Hugging Day is January 21st.

ugh.
Can we who don't like random people wrapping their sweaty arms around us just call it National Ughhing Day?
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I have arthritis, someone can cause me pain for hours if they hug me too hard.

Thanks for the great ideas, guys! I should also note that I work in a "scent-free" school, so perfume can get me sent home, as well. Score! No hugs, I smell good, AND I get to go home for the day!