Yesterday was International Free Hugs Day, part of the ongoing Free Hugs campaign begun a few years ago by random dude Juan Mann. September 10th was chosen and promoted via Facebook as the "biggest Free Hug Day the world has ever seen" in order to "spread love." The event page on the networking site had more than 800,000 confirmed guests worldwide. People bought shirts, made signs, wore buttons--all offering "free hugs." Many participants had fantastic days, giving and accepting hugs in the hundreds, while others couldn't even give one away.

Hugging, after all, is an incredibly intimate act. And while the intentions of the movement -- to brighten up people's lives, not to get dates--are indeed noble, we can't help but wonder, somewhat cynically, who gets more hugs (women or men, the good-looking, the physically fit, the young or old) and how many of those 800,000 might have been in it for the cheap thrill of full-body contact with members of the sex they're attracted to. (Hey, it's an occupational hazard!) Which made us wonder: What would it take for you to hug a total stranger? Would it be better if they were the same or opposite sex, depending on your sexual preference? Would they have to be good-looking or would that be intimidating? Would it be better if they looked more like grandparental figures or your peers? And if you were the one offering free hugs, could you reserve the right, like many businesses, to refuse service to anyone, in particular creepy old men with one bad eye, mysteriously stained shorts, black knee-high socks and a distinct chlorine smell about them? Do tell!