Why Sitting Next to Mom Feels Better Than a Hug Sometimes

Hugs are nice. 
They are squishy and warm and smell like laundry and soup. 
But sometimes, I don’t want a hug. 

Sometimes, I just want to sit next to Mom. 
And not say anything. 

When My Feelings Are Too Big 

Sometimes I feel mad. Or weird. Or kind of like a balloon that’s too full but not popping. 
That’s when people ask, 

“What’s wrong?” 
“Do you want a hug?” 
“Are you okay?” 

And I don’t know how to answer. 
Because I don’t know what’s wrong. 
Or maybe I do… but it’s too hard to say it out loud. 

So I sit next to Mom. 
And she doesn’t ask too many questions. 
She just… lets me be there. 

What Sitting Means 

When I sit next to Mom, she doesn’t try to fix me. 
She just folds laundry or writes something or pets Frankie the dog. 
And I sit beside her. 

We’re not hugging. 
We’re not talking. 
But it feels like… I’m not alone anymore. 

That’s a good feeling. 

My Theory 

I think hugs are for when your feelings are outside. 
But sitting next to someone is for when your feelings are still inside. 

Hugs are fast. Sitting is slow. 
Hugs say “I love you.” 
Sitting says “I’ll wait with you until you’re ready.” 

My Favorite Time 

At night, sometimes I crawl into Mom’s bed and don’t say anything. 
She doesn’t say anything either. 
But she scoots over and lets me stay. 
That’s when I know… I’m safe. 
Even if my brain is still busy. 

That’s better than a hug sometimes. 
Because it lasts longer. 
And it’s quieter. 

Final Thought 

I like hugs. I do. 
But when I need space, or quiet, or time… 
I like sitting next to Mom more. 

She knows when I need a hug. 
And she knows when I don’t. 
That’s what makes her magic.