Amid the avalanche of sexual assault and harassment scandals coming to light, how do you know when it's alright to give someone (what you perceive to be) a friendly hug, for example?

When someone has to ask a question like this, you know the totalitarian state is winning. Take a real issue, blow it up into hysteria, force people to question their common sense and long-held values, then instill new "values" and ideas into a docile populace. This has been practiced by all the greatest oppressive societies, from Pol Pot to Stalin's USSR.

I am not giving anyone a hug, or, rather, no one is giving me one except for the relatives. We exchange handshakes and nods and stuff, usually. I don't usually know it is alright to make a gesture at them (since it is their perception at game, not my intention), but I observe their reaction and try to repeat/stop producing that particular gesture at that particular person.

But exchaging bodily warmth at the hands of each other... It is always alright. Unless you are not in a "boss-employee" kind of relationship. I'd really like to start hugging decent lasses, though.

In the end it is the age that dictates what kind of bodily gesture is proper and which is "not". With the strange, defective culture of "being harassed" being on rise, in most places people should really avoid hugging strangers on a daily basis.

I live in Japan so I am not sure about the present environment in the U.S., however from what I hear from friends and colleagues it is getting rather toxic. Unfortunately the answer nowadays is I don't; In Japan it is just not done in a professional environment and in the U.S. it is too high of a risk.

@commanteer - There is some truth to what you are saying and in my opinion the answer (your thoughts on the matter) are within the context of your comment.

Dear Mod, the answer is that there shouldn't be a question. That's the idealistic answer. If, on the other hand, you would rather just succumb, the answer is to never touch or hug anyone. Better safe than sorry.

Do it like Trump and you can even be president one day.

Though I'm not wild about physical contact and my space being invaded, exceptions are made with old friends (male/female).

We know because we love and trust each other. The friendships are strong.

Hugging people you don't really know? I can't relate to that, so I'd be wary.

It's alright when they are holding a sign that says "free hugs."

It's actually pretty easy:

When they want to hug.

How you tell when they want to hug:

They are a close friend, family, or loved one, and do stuff like walking towards you with arms spread wide.

How you know not to to give someone a "friendly" (/s) hug:

They are a subordinate in a hierarchical structure who hasn't indicated their wish to hug you.

Seriously folks, this isn't rocket surgery.

Friendly hugs are just not on.  Except with friends.

When they tell you. It's not rocket science.

When is all right (not alright) to hug someone? Answer: when it is some you know intimately. Or when someone says, "Hey, give me a hug," The scandals now brewing involve intimidation and outright brutality, not simply a misplaced hug.

The scandals are about criminal harassment, this is a question wrongly asked and not equivalence

Also if it's unwanted then it's harassment as well, just not sexual or rape. You open your mouth and use things called words to ask permission.