Jason, I loved reading about the affection you and your family openly share. It’s such a shame to me that in today’s era something as simple as expressing familial love and caring is so criticized. I grew up kissing both parents on the lips and it never occurred to me that it might be strange, unnatural, creepy, etc. In much the same way as your family, this was one of the numerous ways we stayed connected.

I don’t have children of my own but I often think about this now, especially when high profile celebrities get called out for it. Part of me thinks, who cares? It’s their personal life, it literally has no impact on me. But when someone else calls it out it actually does — it shapes public perception and influences how people think about it. Human touch is a basic need and the absence of platonic or non-romantic gestures does little to help people delineate what’s appropriate and what isn’t.

I’m rambling now but suffice it to say, I enjoyed reading this piece. Thanks for sharing it.