On the occasion of International Hug Day, January 21st, this initiative aims to highlight the power of a hug as a symbolic yet profoundly meaningful act of love, understanding, and empathy. It aligns with activities related to European values, equality, and human rights, as described in the Action Guide of the European Parliament Ambassador Schools Programme 2024-2025. First year high school students, under the guidance and inspiration of the Senior and Junior Ambassadors of the European Parliament Ambassador Schools programme, will actively participate in this initiative. Ms. Myrto Karagiannidou, Psychologist, and Photographer, will demonstrate how, through a hug, captured in a single click of a photograph, we can express our strongest and most genuine emotions. Through the act of hugging, students will convey the message that we can express our feelings in non material ways, offering something invaluable to those we love and to those in genuine need.Participants and Message: This initiative is open to all students and holds particular significance for vulnerable members of society, especially for those who have experienced violence or rejection. A hug can be a gift without cost, yet it conveys unconditional love, acceptance, and respect.
Students, with their unique sensitivity, will demonstrate that change begins with small, everyday actions and that a hug is a universal language that bridges distances and differences.


Can I give you a hug?

Podcast Script: International Hug Day
Intro sound: Gentle, joyful music
Mary M. (Host): Welcome to our podcast, "Can I Give You a Hug".
Today, we will discuss the Power of Hugs through the lens of Art and Human Values.
 I' m Mary (Introducing herself).
Giota K. (Co-host): Hello, I'm Giota, and today we are delighted to welcome Ms. Myrto Karagiannidou, a psychology graduate from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a professional photographer in recent years.
Myrto Karagiannidou: Good evening, everyone!
(Soft music continues in the background, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.)
Giota K.: Good evening!
Mary M.: Hello! We have a few questions we d like to ask you about today s topic.
Myrto Karagiannidou: Of course!
Mary M.: How do you think a hug can express emotions that words often fail to convey?
Myrto Karagiannidou: First of all, considering the scientifically proven benefits of hugging....essentially, by giving a hug, we use physical touch to show care or closeness to someone. For many people, it' s challenging to express emotions verbally, and a hug is always nurturing. It's nearly impossible to misinterpret the meaning of a hug or feel discomfort while receiving one. That's why I believe hugs are deeply, deeply important.
Mary M.: I also want to ask, let s say, two friends-one expresses love and affection through hugs, while the other dislikes physical contact for any reason. How could they find a middle ground in such a situation?
Myrto Karagiannidou: The truth is, I also know some people who are not very comfortable with hugs. However, I have a personal belief- this is not scientifically based, just my own perspective- that every person has a need for connection. Since we are social beings, our " batteries " recharge through interaction and connection with others. Therefore, we all need it! Perhaps some people have not learned or gotten used to it at home, which makes it harder for them to accept. I think the friend who is more demonstrative with hugs should give the other some time, while the friend who finds it difficult to accept hugs should try to be more open and trust their emotions and their friend's affectionate gestures.
Giota K. (Co-host): You mentioned that you are also a photographer, and we introduced you with that title. How do you feel when you see a photograph of two people hugging, especially when you're the one capturing such a moment? 
Myrto Karagiannidou: Seeing people hug! That is always very moving, especially in wedding photography, where you often encounter genuine displays of emotion. These are real-  life situations, not staged ones, and you often see people hugging and becoming emotional. At those moments, it's hard not to get emotional yourself. There have been many instances when I was behind the camera with tears welling up in my eyes. it's  a truly beautiful feeling! 
Giota K.: Do you think, though, that a photograph can convey the same warmth and sense of security as a real hug?
Myrto Karagiannidou: That's a great question. Certainly, a photograph cannot fully replicate the warmth of an actual hug. However, it can evoke positive feelings of warmth. Let's not forget that most of the memories we cherish from the past are preserved through images-pictures from our childhood with our parents, or of ourselves with a friend of ten years, reminding us of the early days. Photos from moments like " look, this was at summer camp " or " we went to the beach and played". Photographs preserve memories, and through these memories, they provide a sense of security.
Giota K.: .....and for the soul, too.
Myrto Karagiannidou: Exactly!
Giota K.: Which historical or personal photograph depicting a hug has particularly impressed you, and why?
Myrto Karagiannidou: I can say that a photograph -specifically, one of historical significance to me - is a picture of my grandparents, my grandfather and grandmother, hugging. For a long time, I ve been taking photos and videos of them because I want to create a documentary about them. They are very serious people, not expressive with their emotions, as they come from a more traditional generation. One day, while taking their picture, I asked my grandfather, " Give her a hug! " And he did it. But I had never seen them hug before. So, I have that photograph, and it was deeply moving for me. It's a memory that has stayed with me.
Mary M.  (Co-host) : How do you think we could connect the concept of a hug with a collective action in support of human rights?
Myrto Karagiannidou: Pausing briefly That'  s quite interesting, but it requires some thought (light laughter). Well, when we talk about collective action, there have been similar initiatives. For instance, we can mention one where people stand in the streets holding large signs that say Free Hugs, offering free hugs to strangers.
Giota K. Co-host: (Spontaneously) .... Or Free Hug or Money! You know, like,  "What do you want: a hug or money"?  I 've actually seen that before
Myrto Karagiannidou: Oh, yes
Giota K.: Since you're a psychologist, what emotions do you feel when you see people hugging in public or when you personally give a hug-not within your immediate family circle, but to someone like a former teacher or someone who has helped you in life? Not a close family friend, but, say, a teacher or a beloved classmate?
Myrto Karagiannidou: Well, how to put this ...(pauses thoughtfully). For me, this is very emotional ..... 
Giota K.: (interjecting) Yes.
Myrto Karagiannidou: Personally, because I love hugs, I enjoy this very much! I think it's a way of expressing my own emotions. And I can feel it in the other person, too- it really shows that they've missed me.
Mary M.: I also have one more question (pausing briefly)-regarding a more personal, romantic relationship. If it seems like your partner needs a hug, but you're in a state where you're tired, stressed, or not in the right mindset to give a warm hug ....
Giota K.: (spontaneously interjecting) Or if you're far apart! Like, if you're not in the same place together .....
Mary M.: Yes, but I meant something different though that's also a great question, of course (light laughter). Not that it's an ideal situation! (Pausing briefly) Do you think your partner might sense that something feels "off,"in quotes, in the way you hug them?
Myrto Karagiannidou: Would they sense it ......(thinking, lowering her tone)? 
Mary M.: Yes, yes!
Myrto Karagiannidou: It's possible they would feel it, just as I would if the roles were reversed.(Pausing briefly) And not just in a romantic relationship, but also in a family one! I think the romantic context makes it more emotionally impactful for the other person, because, for example, if my mother hugs me when I'm tired, I might not want to hug her back. But, in quotes, "it's not a big deal"-though, of course, it actually is! What I mean is that I don't want to hug, and it's just a feeling of the moment. Over time, you learn this about someone you're close to. Your mother knows you very well because she's known you since the day you were born (light laughter). But your partner has only known you for a shorter period. That's the key: learning and understanding that there are days when you're not in the mood to hug and others when you are. And the same applies to them. That's what relationships are-a balance of good and difficult moments!
Mary M. & Giota K.:Thank you so much for joining us, talking with us, and answering our questions (cheerful tone, friendly atmosphere).
Myrto Karagiannidou: It was wonderful! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
Mary M. & Giota K.: We did, we truly did!
Mary M.: And Happy New Year!
Mary M. & Giota K.: And best wishes moving forward!



 



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