The asking wasn’t much of an issue. But one needs to gauge the other person, i would never think that Seinfeld would be the kind of person to go around giving people hugs.
On the flipside, i met Amanda Palmer and she’s very approachable and lovely. I think she’d expect and want a hug. I can’t remember if i did give her one, it’s all a blur… i do recall almost crying, which almost made her cry :B