Dear Amy: A new neighbor moved in. I left a welcome gift on their porch, like I do for everyone that moves in.

He got our number from a neighborhood directory and texted us a few times, inviting us to visit.

My husband and I went to their house and our children (ages 13 and

11) stayed home. Upon entering, the husband said: “Let’s get the awkward part over and hug.” Hugs came in our direction, and we gave them both a hug.

During dinner he mentioned wanting to use our pool. After more texts from him, we invited them over on a Sunday evening. The husband immediately went in to hug my son. My son gave him an uncomfortable side hug. My older son put out his hand for a handshake. The neighbor said, “Oh, a handshake, huh?”

A few weeks later he texted, asking my son to feed their dog while they were away.

Our son had never been to their house before. We weren’t comfortable sending him by himself. The neighbor seemed surprised I was with my son. He came in to hug me, and I offered a side squeeze and my son stuck his hand out for a handshake.

While we were there, he asked my son for his cellphone number. I piped up: “You can call our landline number to ask our son to feed your dog.”

He seemed surprised that I didn’t readily give him my son’s cell.

I keep telling myself that these neighbors are just trying too hard, but we feel uncomfortable. We would love to hear your thoughts, even if you feel I’m wrong. — No Hugs, Please!

Dear No Hugs: I’m not there. You are. And while my instincts tell me that this neighbor is a pushy boundary crosser and close-hugger, I might not see danger residing next door.

What concerns me is that you would rather submit to unwanted sidewinder hugs from your neighbor than deal with him by expressing how you and your family operate. You say, “Stan, I should have mentioned this before, but we’re not huggers. We and our children only hug family members. So this makes us uncomfortable. ”

Emphasize to your sons that if they are skeeved-out by this neighbor, they should keep their distance.