NEW YORK — Longtime hugging volunteer Andy Spencer recently joined in on the trend of asking for gratuities along with his charity services, local sources report.
“In these troubled times, who couldn’t use a free hug for a small donation?” asked Spencer. “I’m just happy to give people a few seconds of affection, if it means it will brighten someone’s day a little. Oh, and no pressure, but if you do feel so inclined, I offer several tipping options on my iPad here. Or you can customize, but again it’s totally optional. I have a square up top there, or you can just tap but that’s always a little tricky. Cash is always welcome too. Or Venmo. Whatever you got on you, really. Just give it to me already.”
Patrons who have long appreciated the altruistic, non-commercial nature of the independent hugging circuit are questioning the ethics of adding tipping options to the service blatantly advertised as “free.”
“I’m not going to give up on free hugs guys, but I will admit I’m much more discerning in my options,” said frequent patron Alison Bridgers. “I find myself taking more time to consider things like technique, hygiene, and chest to breast room allowance ratio. I’m sorry, but if I’m going to be pressured into tipping, I’m not settling on a smelly guy with an uneven embrace distribution, who is going to try and rub boobs with me. I mean, believe it or not, some of these free hug guys turn out to be total creeps. Who would have thought?”
Experts are weighing in on how this issue is merely a part of a growing national trend that has many Americans questioning the idea of tipping in general.
“The economy being as it is, it’s not surprising that so many services are adding tipping options,” said Economist James Cowlings. “But Americans by and large are beginning to experience ‘tipping fatigue.’ In Europe, tipping is considered taboo, and people working as ‘hugsmen,’ as they are known, are actually compensated through government programs. But try getting Americans to agree to that. We don’t want our tax dollars going to museums, let alone street comforters.”
At press time, HUG international, a new corporate embracement solutions firm, has announced it will be hiring over 1,000 former free hugs guys, and plan on franchising nationally.