My darling husband Michael is German.
If you know any Germans you will know that hugging or in fact any close physical contact is not their thing.
About 4 years ago Michael took Carmen our eldest daughter to the airport. I could not be there to see her off because I could not get away from work. Carmen was embarking on what was the biggest adventure she has had so far. She was flying to Cape Town and then sailing to the Caribbean.
When I called Carmen to ask how her first flight was she told me it was miserable but her highlight was:
"Mom, I can't believe it Michael HUGGED ME!"
Early in December last year we had what we now refer to as hell week. We all argued and not mild disagreements - screaming, shouting, earth shattering stuff.
In this time our very loved ex-president Mandela passed away.
I was in a very dark place because of all the fighting and a certain person who upset me immensely.
Michael sat down next to me and put his arms around me and hugged me:
"Don't worry Vivian, even Mandela would not have like this person and he would have given this person a good slap."
The hug and the vision of our former president slapping this person cheered me up immediately.
A few days ago a gay friend was pouring out his heart about his relationship problems.
Awkward non affectionate Michael patted him on the shoulder and said:
"It will get better."
Different versions of "Its in his kiss"
Sweet story. One of these days or years I want to meet you and your awkward, non-hugging, but loving Michael. And when we do meet... I'll expect a hug! :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love the shoop shoop song!
ReplyDeleteBook a ticket already but don't come in our winter (your summer) unless you want to go to travel to the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park is too hot in summer and best to visit in winter but then Cape Town and Johannesburg are miserable in winter. I expect you will stay with us for at least a week. I will prepare Michael for the hugging.
ReplyDelete