Hugs are good things. They release oxytocin, the bonding hormone that appears to build trust, reduces fear, and increase compassion and generosity. Oxytocin is also related to decreased amounts of ...

Indy is a leaning sort of dog. My brown and black Rottweiler-Shepherd mix will carefully sidle up, sit close and lean against you at every opportunity. He’ll lean against your legs, back, side – any ...

Our eyes, gestures, and tone bring us together in a more profound way than words alone. It’s why we look hopefully toward the return of in-person, face-to-face connection. Hugs are good things. They ...

There are hugs — and then there are hugs. In other words, there are genuine, loving, and giving types of hugs ... and then there is needy and inappropriate sexual hugging. There is a world of ...

Even as children grow independent, they still deeply need hugs for security, emotional bonding, and stress management. This simple act releases feel-good hormones, fostering resilience and ...

I’m going to leave work and shortly thereafter will be enveloped in arms, legs, chests and cheeks. (If my girls aren’t upstairs on their smart phones, that is.) Three gorgeous daughters: One skinny as ...

Virginia Satir, a world-renowned family therapist, is famous for saying “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” How many hugs are ...

While it may not have been marked on your calendar, Jan. 21 is National Hug Day, so while we observe the holiday by engaging in embraces, it's the perfect time to reflect on the hugs we've given, ...