Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi All,
I'm newly diagnosed with Autism. One thing that has come up a few times in my thoughts is I can now kind of avoid hugs with people I don't know very well (to be honest that feels like most people I see on a regular basis!)
I used to go along with it if someone initiated it even though I hated it but now I don't think I need to anymore. Does anyone have a way of avoiding hugs causing as little fuss as possible as I've noticed people seem to get offended if you don't want them touching you.
Sorry, I'm sure there's no right answer I'm just looking for tips / how others do it.
Eyes
I usually just say "oh, I'm not a hugger, sorry!"
People are still weird about it, but by emphasising that it's about my preferences and it's not about them personally, they do tend to back off. I expect some of them go away thinking I'm awful anyway, but that's a price I'm willing to pay if it means I get to maintain my personal space.
That’s how I approach it these days too with a “sorry I don’t do hugs” people are still sometimes weird but I’ve had a couple of people say “oh me either but it’s just what everyone does” and they seem relieved as well!