DEAR ABBY: When I approach someone to hug, is there a correct side to go for? Does a relative or friend have a bearing on your choice, or does it matter if it's a man or woman or how well you know them? Is the left side as good as the right side? -- WHICH SIDE? IN OHIO
DEAR WHICH SIDE: Hugging anyone you don't know well is a mistake because some people have an aversion to intimate contact with strangers. That said, I don't think it matters a lot which side you "go for" -- although I have heard some people bear to the left because that way their hearts are closer together. Personally, I tend to feint to the left because I'm left-handed -- but that's just me.