I agree with you there, but how to build a bridge, without enabling bad behavior? I think that's the challenge. This is interesting to me (I almost chose psychology as a major). What is the best method to help the child, without enabling the poor behavior?
I totally agree with the hugging part. I am not a hugger and close contact with other people usually makes me feel very uncomfortable.
However (and this is the crux of the OP's post)...the kid later did this:
"I then proceeded to ask the ones that hugged me what they wanted for christmas and...