is hugging a friend stepping over the line...

I don't think it is stepping over the line.A friendship *hug* is just that a friendship *hug* and we all need a *hug* from time to time.

Are you kidding me?
My friends and I walk down the streets holding hands or we have each others' arms around the others waist- even the girls.
And we have kisses and everything- not lips or tongues- just on the cheek or hair (mainly the guys to gals).
A "hug" is not stepping over the line.

Pshh, me and my friends lace hands and give kisses. I absolutely see nothing wrong with hugging.