My H's family is also uncomfortable with touch/hugs. Early in our relationship, when we would hang out with his family, I would hug everyone as we were leaving. It made me sad to feel them stiffen up in my arms and barely hug back. His father was the warmest. His mother and siblings (especially his sister) had the most difficulty with it. After I hugged the first one, I couldn't stop, you know? So I had to go through hugging each of them goodbye. Awwwkward! The next visit, I think his Mom initiated a hug with me, and then everyone followed suit. I basically forced an entire family to start hugging each other, by mistake, but I hope it's a good mistake.
Their hugs are somewhat reserved/controlled with me and with each other. Loose, light, quick. I just go in for the kill. Why bother otherwise? Poor things have to be accosted by the random Italian.
They're also reserved with the baby in how they hold him and play with him. Not much grabbing and hugging there. My H is good with that, though.
I try to see it as "our different styles" rather than any of us having dysfunction.
