IN the 1950s and 60s the most common form of acknowledgement or congratulation was the good old manly hand shake and how I miss its passing.

Now we’re treated to high fives, hugs and even indiscriminate kissing.

I’ve always affected a dislike for hugging mainly because I’m confused about taking the initiative especially with the opposite gender. That’s what a boy’s boarding school does for you.

However, I must confess that in recent periods of ill-health I have found it exhilarating although, being British, I’ve been careful not to let this show.

I really don’t know whether hugging is becoming more commonplace, or if I’m becoming more huggable, but I caught sight of myself recently in the mirror and I suspect the former.

Any road up as I’m 72 with my hug-ometer barely reaching double figures I’ve decided to take the initiative. I thought I’d go down Newgate Street shouting, “give us a hug, go on give us a hug”.

On second thoughts this may be misconstrued; I might be sectioned or if the hugging is over-vigorous, my stitches may burst. I think I may be reverting to a second childhood.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.