Hugs and chocolate go together

They come in all sizes ranging from bear to barely. You know, a real full circle one or one that barely qualifies. Some are given for a reason; some are given just because.

People give them freely at family celebrations from weddings to funerals. They are a way to express congratulations or sympathy. I recently received a coupon for one and have passed it on many times over. I’m lucky because I’ve received and given them all my life. By now you’ve probably guessed I’m talking about hugs. I come from a long line of huggers. It just does my soul good to hug as I go through my day. People and animals who cross my path on any given day will most likely receive a hug from me. It’s my nature.

I sign my correspondence with Xs and Os, especially Os. Sometimes family members try to outdo me with the number of Os they include in their letters. One of my friends always signs her emails with, “Hugs.” I like that. Did you ever stop to think that you can’t possibly be mad if you’re embraced in a genuine hug? A hug consists of a circle or at least an embrace that is intended to be a circle. Sometimes girth gets in the way of giving or receiving a full circle hug. It doesn’t really matter. It’s the thought that counts.

Make sure whatever gift you plan to give your ‘sweetie’ includes chocolate. White, dark, or milk chocolate just make sure it’s chocolate. Recently, the news reported two 5,000 year old skeletons were discovered locked in an embrace. I would guess that breaks an all-time record for the length of time for a hug. Speculation is that the couple might be Romeo and Juliet as the discovery was made in the proximity of where they lived and died.

The X is used in lieu of a signature for people who cannot or are unable to affix their signature to a document. A Jewish friend of mine said the Jewish people opted to use the O in lieu of the X to avoid making the cross mark and the O represents the circle of life as a neverending line.

By the way, This coming Tuesday is Valentine’s Day. Lots of Xs and Os will be handed out. You can never go wrong with the Os. Go ahead and hug someone; lots of someones. It will make them wonder what you’re up to.

The story is told of the young man who gave his sweetheart a skimpy nightie for Valentine’s Day. To his chagrin she opened the gift in front of her parents. Embarrassed he said to them, “It’s not the present, but the thought that counts.” He should have just given her a hug.

If you plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a night out, just be careful if you wander into an establishment with flashing neon Xs on their marquee. My guess is you’ll see a lot more than kisses or hugs.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day. Hug the one you love and share the chocolate.