Church Was Going Great Until He Said "Turn to Your Neighbor"

Let me just say this loud and clear for the people in the back: I am not a hugger.

Never have been, probably never will be. I can do the polite smile, the small wave, maybe even a shoulder tap if I’m really feeling brave. But the second someone comes at me with both arms open, I suddenly remember I need to check on… literally anything else.

Listen… I love Jesus. I love church. I love the worship, the Word, the community — all of it. But there’s one phrase that makes me instantly tense up every single time: “Turn to your neighbor and say…”

Cue the inner panic.

Because as a proud non-hugger, that moment feels like when your teacher says, ‘Find a partner,’ and you suddenly forget how to make eye contact. Like, I just got comfortable in my little worship bubble, and now I’m being asked to make conversation, eye contact, and possibly even hug someone? Lord, help.

Meanwhile, the extroverts are already two rows deep into new friendships, hugging like they’re at a family reunion, and yelling “You are blessed and highly favored!” with full chest energy. And I love that for them! It’s just… not me.

I’m the one doing a quick scan... left, right; deciding which neighbor looks safest. Should I opt for the friendly smile and wave? The “you got this” head nod? Maybe even the side hug if the Holy Spirit really moves?

It’s a delicate dance.

But honestly, as much as I joke about it, I know there’s something sweet behind the awkwardness. Because even if I’m not a big fan of random neighbor interaction, I get it... It’s about connection. It’s about reminding us that faith isn’t meant to be lived alone.

So I’m learning to loosen up a little. To smile first. To actually say hi. (Still no hugs though, we’re not that healed yet 😅).

Because maybe God uses even those tiny, slightly uncomfortable church moments to remind me that love can look as simple as a smile, a kind word, or a quick “you got this.”

Just… please don’t hug me.