I'm secure enough in my own bodily autonomy that I don't offer hugs out of a sense of obligation. When I offer them, it's because I've decided I want to hug the other person, but I also know that sometimes someone may not want to be touched for one reason or another.
[Stacia opens her mouth to continue, then pauses, her expression becoming more thoughtful.]
...Actually yeah, now that I think about it. I would like a hug.
[She learned long ago that there were a lot of situations where all it took to get something she wanted was to clearly and politely ask for it. A 'no' in response was hardly the end of the world; and if she accepted the 'no' graciously enough, another path to the thing she wanted eventually presented itself. Still, offering a hug to a near-stranger feels safer than asking for one. Probably the vulnerability factor. There's only so much vulnerability that it's safe to present to the world when you're a tiny girl, even if you can turn into a giant wolf-monster on reflex. Mutual vulnerability is fine, though.]
no subject
[Stacia opens her mouth to continue, then pauses, her expression becoming more thoughtful.]
...Actually yeah, now that I think about it. I would like a hug.
[She learned long ago that there were a lot of situations where all it took to get something she wanted was to clearly and politely ask for it. A 'no' in response was hardly the end of the world; and if she accepted the 'no' graciously enough, another path to the thing she wanted eventually presented itself. Still, offering a hug to a near-stranger feels safer than asking for one. Probably the vulnerability factor. There's only so much vulnerability that it's safe to present to the world when you're a tiny girl, even if you can turn into a giant wolf-monster on reflex. Mutual vulnerability is fine, though.]