Lubbock, Nobody Owes You a Hug. Not Even Your Grandkids.

I was lucky enough to grow up in Lubbock, Texas, surrounded by some of the kindest and most genuine people you will ever meet.

People who adored me.

So, what I'm about to say will upset a few grandparents here, but I don't really care.

Your grandchildren do not owe you a hug.

I was forced to hug everyone. And I mean forced.

Over-politeness is sort of part of our culture here.

Strangers. Old people. Relatives. Store clerks. Doctors. Teachers. People in costumes.

People who 4-year-old me had absolutely no desire to share a hug with.

My mom made me greet everyone and anyone with a smile and a hug.

It never mattered if I was uncomfortable.

And there was the added pressure of her saying things like,

"Chrissy, you'd better go on over there and give them a big ol' hug! You don't want to hurt their feelings, do ya?"

The stranger would then look over at little me and give a silly, dramatic frown.

So, of course, I'd hug them to fix it.

Looking back on it now, I'm horrified.

Read More: Should Lubbock Restaurants Ban Screaming Kids?

Being forced to hug everyone taught me that making other people comfortable was more important than my own boundaries.

I genuinely believe that this lesson has followed me directly into my adult relationships.

I'm not blaming my parents. Not at all.

I think it's pretty common for parents to want their kids to walk up and give a big hug to someone.

My mom has always been a very outgoing and friendly person. She is very Lubbock.

She always wanted others around her to share in the joy of a hug from her sweet little girl.

Make them grin.

People love hugs from kids.

I get it.

But we've got to stop doing this.

I don't care if it's Uncle Bob, your 84-year-old neighbor, a pastor, or the Easter Bunny.

If a child doesn't want to give a hug, that's 100% okay.

Please don't guilt-trip your kids into giving physical affection.

Kids deserve boundaries, too.

If you are a grown adult who actually gets offended because a 6-year-old doesn't want to give you a hug, then you are the problem.

Lubbock, I'd like to hear from you. Were you forced to hug people as a kid, and do you think it's affected you? Email me at Chrissy.Covington@townsquarmedia.com