A state of mind created by drug users, alcoholics and depressed people that keep them locked in a cycle of pain, remorse and self-pity. When you are hugging the cactus, you are purposefully holding onto past pain, regrets, resentment, blame and other issues that prevent you from moving forward in a positive manner. The goal of therapy and self-realization is to “let go” and “stop hugging the cactus.”
Robert Downey Jr once told a story of his past drug abuse and alcoholism days where Mel Gibson helped him by telling him to stop “hugging the cactus!” Robert stated this realization allowed him to let go of his past and move forward.
by Funkensteins Lab February 21, 2021
When a person anthropomorphizes a fake plant, especially one that is human-like in shape, resulting in an intimate moment with an otherwise unsympathetic object.
Cordell tried his best to impress the nice, young lady at the pool party. Sadly, all his friends knew that the ficus would never return his call. He was hugging the cactus.
by chaunky smelderbodom February 11, 2017
by Zed Numar September 19, 2021