I didn't receive very many hugs from my parents growing up. My dad was not a very nice man and used verbal and physical abuse to me and to my mom, as well as a couple of other things that are too personal to list. I was very withdrawn and extroverted at school (school was actually my escape because I loved to learn and read.) My grandparents, however, on both sides were wonderful huggers and so were my aunts and uncles. I've since found out that they went out of their way to show me I was loved and was really worried about me.
I've determined that my children, and now my granddaughters, were never going to experience what I did. My kids have been hugged and kissed and loved on - they know that my hubby and I love them so much. We played games on the floor, board games, read books, rooted for them at sports, concerts, etc. Now my granddaughters are getting the special treatment. All of that was not given to me growing up and it is so important that our children, grandchildren, and beyond, know how much they are loved and appreciated.
Thank you for your thought-provoking question. It brought back some not-so-good memories, but at the same time it helps me to see how far I have come from as a child and how much I love all my own family and that they love me!!