“Huggers are happier.” I saw that phrase in a Max Lucado 365 Devotional I started reading for 2026. I researched that statement and found multiple studies done on hugging. Each study gave multiple reasons why that statement is true.
I spent a few days in the hospital recently and I was “touched” quite a bit. But none of the touching involved a hug given in love… except one afternoon. Two of my beautiful granddaughters came to visit. Initially they sat quietly because I was sleeping and they didn’t want to wake me. They were about ready to leave when I woke up.
The next few minutes were filled with hugs. That did much more for me than sleeping did. It lightened my spirit and warmed my heart.
If you remember the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, you probably remember the joy of verse 20. “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” [NLT]
The father stepped out of the cultural role and ran to his son and the first thing he did was throw his arms around him to hug him. I can almost feel the strength of those arms tightening around him. I have felt the same strength of the arms of love around me.
Huggers (and those being hugged) are truly happier.