Hugging rules

How well I remember having Auntie Olive lean down and kiss me. She was my father's aunt and rarely visited. In fact I only remember this one occasion - mostly because of her unwelcome whiskery chin. I must have been about 4 years old.
Just recently I have been reading about inappropriate touching and hugging - not by paedophiles and those wishing to exploit children but by well meaning citizens who assume everyone is happy to receive their attentions. Have we become a more huggy society? I don't remember being a very huggy family as I grew up although I always kissed my parents good night. Then came the hugging of friends and colleagues rather than more formal greetings such as shaking hands. I must admit when I was teaching students about job interviews about 25 years ago there was still some difference of opinion about whether women should shake hands or whether it was just a man thing.
So I was reading the article that suggested asking for permission before touching or hugging especially with children and suggesting less intrusive greetings eg a high five. (Somehow I'm never sure about high fives and whether the hands are supposed to match up finger for finger and which hand to use.) Even in churches there seems to be a move to hugging and not everyone likes it. I was particularly dismayed when someone greeting people asked it they wanted a hug. When the reply was no, the hugger went ahead anyway explaining that people who were reluctant would get used to it. Ewww...
So I was visiting my family recently and being mindful of all this as I reached for my beautiful 16 year old granddaughter I muttered about needing to ask her permission and said, "So is it OK to hug you?" "Always," was her wonderful response. Hugs for Hannah....