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Nearly everyone who has been on a double date understands the discomfort of sitting opposite another couple who, for some reason, insists on holding hands, or stroking arms, or sneaking kisses during a meal. It’s a scene that is utterly perplexing to socially awkward, stoical types such as myself, who can’t fathom why two people would want to stroke each other’s hair in front of an audience. In my mind I’m imploring the couple to just keep their hands to themselves, but all I can do outwardly is smile like an idiot and chew my salad while I try not to stare at the rainfall of dandruff that has now settled upon the table.

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I am vexed to think that this same type of discomfort now waits for me at each event involving Canada’s new prime minister, who is surely the huggiest head of government this nation has ever seen. There were signs early on in the campaign: a bear hug for Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, a warm embrace and forehead touch with residential school survivor Elder Evelyn Commanda-Dewache, plenty of arms-around-shoulders and even the occasional peck from supporters along the campaign trail. But I don’t think any of us — and surely not those among us who would, say, force a loud cough in the presence of a couple making out on the subway — could have anticipated how much naked affection this new regime would usher in.