A Comprehensive Guide to Home Security Systems:

Hugging. Some of us embrace our friends, partners, family members, and even strangers. Some of us just don't enjoy hugs, which is fine. Hugging can be used to communicate affection or intimacy, as well as to soothe someone. Hugging can mean a variety of things. Many of us who enjoy hugs have also had awkward, uncomfortable embraces where we're not sure if we're into it, such as when a random friend grabs you at the pool...yeah, no thanks! But that's just me; the great thing about incorporating consent into our daily lives is that we can begin to discover our particular boundaries and preferences. People often laugh in our Understanding Consent Culture course when we practise asking for consent in everyday circumstances since it might be awkward when we aren't used to asking these questions. Hopefully, with practise, we will gain confidence in our abilities to practise consent!

If you adore hugs, here are some creative ways to ask for one to help you start integrating permission into this element of your life:

• "May I give you a hug?"

• "Can you give me a hug?"

• "Would you mind giving me a hug?"

• "Would you mind if I hugged you?"

• "Do you want me to put my arms around you?"

• "Would you mind giving me a hug right now?"

• "Do you want a side hug?"

• "Would you like a hug?"

• "Would you like a bear hug?"

• "I'd love to hug you right now if you're up for it." "Are you sure?"

• Write your request on paper and pass it forward as a note.

• Consider this: Open your arms and make eye contact with them while signalling towards your chest, like in:

Before even approaching someone for a hug, we must first check in with ourselves about our wants and desires. Perhaps we might take a few seconds or a few of breaths to ask ourselves if we want a hug. This pause has been referred to as the sacred pause, a body check, or an obligation check. Of course, not everyone will require this at all times, but some will.

Learning to accept and respect people's "no"s and "maybes" is part of practising consent. Indecision does not equal "yes." Our reactions to someone's response can influence whether they feel safe enough to offer us an honest answer. If we put pressure on someone or respond with anger, hurt, or even profound disappointment, we risk creating a situation in which they feel unable to say anything but "yes." Taking the time to process our own reactions to being "rejected" can help us regulate our emotions and be more receptive to any response. It can even be beneficial to practise responses to a "no":

• "I appreciate your candour."

• "All OK, cool!"

• "Wonderful, thanks for setting a limit."

Finally, it is critical to recognise that consent is a continuous process/conversation. Consent gained for one activity does not imply consent established for all activities. Just because someone agreed to a hug does not imply that they agreed to a kiss on the cheek or an embrace every time you see them. To minimise miscommunications or overstepping someone's boundary, try to be as clear as possible. You don't need to be a mind reader to practise consent; simply ask questions and appreciate the responses you receive!