When I first made a handful of 'friends' they were in the habit of hugging when they met, so I used to think everyone liked being hugged if we hadn't met in awhile (I could have sworn it made people the happiest). Then, in another setting, no one seemed to give me a hug which made me think they did not like or consider me a friend....and then I realized it wasn't necessarily the case, or actually im not sure what it means (perhaps Im not a close friend or?), so I decided to stop hugging unless someone came in for a hug first (or unless its my grandparents, or parents, lol).

I found that I used to drop into a defensive posture: knees slightly bent, hands in fists.  This was due to my Tae Kwondo training.  I had to learn to defuse this when I began working with preschoolers, since squealing is something they do with appalling regularity, also for very little reason.  Yet I still tend to interpret it as an aggressive gesture until I know it's not meant to be dangerous.  Vernu used to say I would frighten him sometimes because I'd whirl about at such sounds and look ready to spring.  Not so much now, as I said, I've learned to control the reaction, but I still feel alarm before I check to see that it's just NTs doing what comes naturally to them.  
Alison

Sometimes I find myself in the perfect position to jump out and scare someone (my brothers and I used to do this to each other as kids, and to our mother). One time I did this to one of my coworker/mentors--she locked her fists and almost knocked me out. I've noticed I ought not do this so mich anymore because I suppose as a kid people thought it was cute, but now it generally gives people a heart attack....I mean it can be dangerous for them and me.

I don't really miss people but right now I miss my son sometimes because he has been living with my parents until they move out here. I only miss people who I will never see again or see for a while and then I get over it.

I hope you get to see him soon.

Oh I will. It be at least August before I get to see him again.

Good to hear