The Art of the Bare Naked Hug: How To Find Healing By Hugging Other People in the Buff

Let me set the scene: I’m standing in my living room, completely naked, arms outstretched, and my best friend Tanya is looking at me like I’ve just suggested we start a skydiving business.

“Kristin,” she says, hands on her hips. “Are you seriously asking me to hug you? Right now? Like this?” She gestures wildly to my very bare and very unhidden self.

“Yes!” I reply with a grin. “It’s just a hug. A totally normal, completely naked hug. Trust me—it’ll change your life.”
She stares for a moment, then bursts out laughing. But to her credit, she steps forward, arms open, and we go for it. The result? The most hilariously awkward yet oddly touching moment we’ve ever shared. And just like that, I discovered the magic of the bare naked hug.

Hugs have always been a fundamental part of human connection. They’re warm, reassuring, and comforting. But take away the clothes, the layers, and the barriers, and they transform into something deeper—a gesture that says, Here I am, in all my vulnerability, ready to embrace you just as you are. And also, “Please don’t mind the goosebumps.”

This book isn’t just about hugging naked, though. (I mean, it is, but also it’s not.) It’s about what happens when we strip away the pretenses, the insecurities, and yes, the actual clothes, and embrace the messy, imperfect beauty of human connection. Whether it’s with a friend, a partner, or even yourself, a bare naked hug is a literal and metaphorical leap of faith. And let me tell you, it’s equal parts hilarious, awkward, and absolutely worth it.

I’ll be honest—when I first started exploring naked living, the idea of hugging someone without clothes on seemed insane. Like, why would anyone willingly lean into that level of vulnerability? But over time, I realized that’s exactly the point. Naked hugs force you to let go of your fears and embrace the absurdity of life (and sometimes each other).

In these pages, I’ll share my most ridiculous, touching, and cringe-worthy naked hugging adventures, from the time Tanya jokingly called me “a walking vulnerability poster” to the moment I accidentally offered a bare embrace to my neighbor during a misunderstanding about borrowed tools. You’ll also get practical tips, heartfelt lessons, and maybe even the inspiration to try it yourself—assuming you’re braver than Tanya was that first day.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Open your heart, set aside your insecurities, and get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe cry a little as we dive into the art of the bare naked hug. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present, embracing connection, and finding joy in life’s most awkwardly beautiful moments.

And don’t worry. If you’re still on the fence about hugging naked, at least stick around for the stories. If nothing else, you’ll get a good laugh—and maybe a newfound appreciation for the wild, wonderful adventure that is human connection. Welcome to the warm, weird, and slightly drafty world of bare naked hugs.