Hi Wordjunkie, Welcome.

You are Wrong. The grown-ups are right.
The XXX es symbolizing crossed arms and the OOO s symbolizing a puckered mouth is much too logical to have originated with old folks. Why, in the old days, that is, the ninteenth century, they didn't even have a separate symbol for hugs. The XXX es stood for kisses, hugs, handshakes, Barn dances, and lots more.
I like the XXX es for hugs, the OOO s for kisses, better.

Signed,
Not yet grown up, but wise beyond my years,
Milum.