Hug free zone

[GBS]

Yes, I know it's funny...
But shortly I will have a CCW, and I really do not want anyone to know I carry (The wife will be getting hers as well). How do I politely tell my overly friendly friends that hugs are now out of bounds?
Also the other siuation is at manditory family reunions where hugs are (almost) required? I can control the reunions, but my major concern is the 'random' hug.
I plan on carrying IWB but the Glock is not form fitting even with a
38" waist.
I know this post is ripe for 'great humor', but I am really serious about this...

GBS

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Bonesnofoa]

Explain to them you are uncomfortable with being hugged and that you would prefer not too.

It's pretty much the truth while leaving out that you are carrying.

Edit - Never have been a huggy sort of person.

[Miggy]

The old solution is for you to initiate the hug and make it low. Not 100% effective though.

[top_gizmo]

Yeah, I had that problem, but like Miggy says... go low, that forces them to go high...

[2AMomma]

My husband and I practice the random hug thing so he is able to immediately transfer the oncoming hug to the opposite side from his carry.

It would be very awkward for you to tell friends who have always hugged you in the past that they may no longer hug you....

[friesepferd]

try to avoid huggy situations as much as you can but sometimes you just cant avoid it. so do like everyone else says and go low

[P95Carry]

Go low and/or quickly show you are a handshake dude. The latter saves almost any ''discoveries".

[monky]

My gf's sister got married this weekend.. it was all touchy feely. Normally I carry IWB, but being in a monkey suit I went SOB. Only one person, who is a practicer of an alternate lifestlye noticed.

When I carry IWB and someone goes for a hug, I turn slightly away from them if I don't really know the person. If it is one of my dear friends, or even my gf, they are all aware of the fact that I carry, as a few of them do as well. I'm not worried if someone I know (personally) knows I have a weapon.

As stated a handshake is a great way to avoid a hug..

[rljohns]

I hug family all the time and never had a problem yet. As stated above I beat them to the hug and go low first. Most the family know I usually carry. They like most just don't even thing about it. It's not on their RADAR screen.

[retsupt99]

Eat LOTS of garlic...breathe heavily...hugs won't be a problem...

In reality...just keep your arms low...

[Miggy]

Eat LOTS of garlic...breathe heavily...hugs won't be a problem...
...

It doesn't work on mediterranean families! We eat garlic cloves like they were M&Ms.

[GBS]

Thanks.
I did a 'cold' practiced with my wife, it really does work.
You guys and gals are really awsome...
And I do prefer a handshake, but some women...
GBS

[jbailey]

I would not worry about anyone I would hug, or that would hug me knowing that I carry. Most know anyway, the others would understand because of our loving relationship.

Best regards,

Jim

[Thumper]

Yeah, there's no way you can suddenly stop hugging especially your family!

Go low usually works but be ready for that hand to slide down!
I find slightly turning your gun side away helps a little too.

[Roadrunner]

Don't forget that most people will just assume its a cell phone/PDA/some other thing on your belt. Unless they get under your cover garment and touch cold metal they're likely to remain oblivious even if they do feel it.