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# Free stuff (like hugs)
- URL: https://katecarruthers.com/free-stuff-like-hugs/
- Published: 2008-09-11T10:53:00.000Z
- Updated: 2008-09-11T10:53:00.000Z
- Author: Kate Carruthers
- Tags: ideas, #Migrated-1775015344493, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-04-01 14:49

![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2847408849_4b05d6decb.jpg?v=0)

![](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/2848237910_be239405c8.jpg?v=0)
  
  
Had an interesting conversation with [Juan Mann](http://freehugs.com.au/index.htm?ref=katecarruthers.com) today in Sydney (accompanied by [free hugs](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free%5FHugs%5FCampaign?ref=katecarruthers.com), of course). We discussed free hugs, free stuff in general and it made me conscious of how many offers for free stuff that we receive that are actually not free. Instead, they are usually designed to get us to buy some other item. This idea of

free

stuff has been taken over in our commercialised world and we even joke that there is '

no such thing as a free lunch

'.  
  
But on the other hand, we also have a saying '

the best things in life are free

'. The free hug I received today made me really mindful of how much I want to tune into those non-commercial things, the best things that are free. Things like a sunny day, a hug or a puppy.