What is the difference between hugging someone and holding on? A true embrace has the essence of affection, the air of compassion, and sometimes a boner grinding into your hip.

When The Munch was first born, she never hugged me… she would just grab onto my skin to make sure I didn’t drop her. Fair enough…. Although I would never drop her being the perfect parent that I am, even though I once smashed her head while she was riding on my shoulders. Come to think of it, I wish I never told you that.

I have this theory that when babies are born they don’t just automatically love you because all their energy is concentrated on staying alive. Once they become more comfortable in the world they develop the emotional capacity for more complex feelings, and because you love them they learn to love through your example. They observe your methods of expressing love, and use them to show their love. In short, love is a learned experience.

For example, one of the things that I do to show love and comfort to The Munch is pat her back when I am hugging her. And you know what she does? She pats my back when she is hugging me, AND pats the back of her dolls and stuffed animals!!! Isn’t that amazing! I also of course kiss her to show love, and now she not only kisses me, but also kisses her toys, a spoon, my cell phone, the wall, and an old bobby pin she found under the couch.

“I love you elephant”