The Power of 8 Second Hugs

A year ago my sister mentioned that to maximize the emotional impact of a hug it should last 8 seconds. I didn’t look this up to see if it was true. I just started giving the people I love 8 second hugs. What I’ve noticed in this year of 8 second embraces is that my kids have grown to expect them. I say “8 second hug” and they instinctively smile, although I will admit, my oldest tries to hide his smile, because grinning when your dad offers an 8 second hug is uncool. But I can see a smile. It’s there.