This is my little one (my youngest niece). I remember her sitting on my lap like it was yesterday…because it was:-) On occasion, she’ll sit close to me so I can hear her better. I feel so grateful we can be this affectionate. That is how we grew up in our Italian family – all sitting on each other and having little boundaries for personal space.

I know not all families are like that and some might find it strange. But, one study revealed that receiving kisses when you’re a baby can impact your confidence as an adult. So, I joked that I must be very confident because when you’re Italian and a baby, you just get passed around and kissed all day long.

Studies explain that those signs of affection from when we were younger are associated with feeling special and worthy. So, when we receive hugs or affection as an adult, our nervous system helps us to remember and feel that sense of self-worth again.

So, who could you hug today? It can be a win-win!