Hugging is a way of saying hello, showing warmth, and expressing care for someone. But there’s a fine line between regular friendly hugs and more meaningful ones, and it’s all about how the hug is done. Since there are various types of hugs, each carries a slightly different meaning. It might sound complicated, but let’s break it down.
You give hugs to your grandma, your baby niece, even your dog or your pillow. However, when you receive a hug from someone you like, it’s a bit different. You’re curious about what their hug means, but asking directly feels awkward. So, you need to learn to understand the different types of hugs on your own.
So, how can you figure out if a hug is just friendly or something more? Hugging has positive effects on the mind and heart
Whether you’re hugging a family member, a close friend, your partner, or someone you have feelings for, hugging feels really good. Beyond the warm feeling, hugging has many advantages:
- Relieves stress
Hugs reduce stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol. This works for both the person giving the hug and the one receiving it.
- Increases Oxytocin
Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” rises when we touch, including through hugs. It’s linked to bonding with others and can help ease negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
- Raises serotonin
Hugs can also boost serotonin, the “feel good hormone.” Higher serotonin levels make us feel happier and calmer.
- Aids sleep
Hugs improve sleep by reducing stress, boosting oxytocin and serotonin, and relaxing the body and mind. So, hugging before bedtime can help you sleep better.
- Builds trust
Hugging someone you care about makes you feel safe and open. This vulnerability deepens the trust between you and the person hugging you.
- Enhances intimacy
Hugs are a strong way to communicate non-verbally. They convey emotions like love, trust, and closeness, all of which play a role in intimacy.
- Strengthens relationships
Hugging in a relationship is vital. It shows comfort and love without needing words. Physical closeness is important in a relationship, even without romantic intentions.
Different types of hugs and their meanings
Hugs might seem simple, but they can actually be quite complex and hard to interpret. When you hug someone you like, it’s not always clear what the hug means. Different types of hugs can have different meanings. To make it easier to understand, here are various types of hugs and what they can reveal about the person’s feelings:
- The polite hug
A hug out of politeness, like during social events, is just for show. If someone gives you this kind of hug on a date, it might mean they’re not interested romantically.
- The quick hug
A quick hug in public could indicate happiness to see you. But if it’s rushed and lacks eye contact, they might not be too enthusiastic.
- The friendly hug
A friendly hug is warm and comfortable, but it suggests they see you as a friend, not a romantic interest.
- The heart-to-heart hug
When both huggers align their hearts by leaning left, it’s an intentional embrace meant to create a strong connection. It can be romantic or friendly, depending on the relationship.
- The London Bridge hug
This hug is distant and often done among acquaintances or colleagues. It’s not meant to be intimate.
- The bear hug
A tight, genuine hug with arms wide open shows closeness and can be between best friends or romantic partners.
- The sleepy shoulder hug
This kind of hug is when they rest their head on your shoulder, showing comfort and trust. It’s not typically romantic.
- The head-resting hug
Similar to the sleepy shoulder hug, this conveys a feeling of security and trust.
- The one-sided hug
An unreciprocated, limp hug suggests discomfort or lack of interest.
- The squeezing hug
An extra-tight hug with a smile indicates they had a great time and want to spend more time together.
- The snuggly hug
More like a cuddle, this hug is from someone who feels safe and comfortable around you.
- The lingering hug
A hug that lasts a bit longer can indicate deeper feelings, especially if they’re reluctant to let go.
- The side-by-side hug
Hugging while walking side by side suggests comfort and closeness.
- The boob hug
A hug with intentional chest contact can indicate attraction and desire.
- The back hug
Hugging from behind can be playful or indicate a desire for intimacy.
- The straddle hug
A full-body embrace with legs and arms intertwined is comforting and intimate.
- The eye-to-eye hug
Intimate and emotional, this hug often comes with a kiss or follows one.
- The pickpocket hug
Putting a hand in the other person’s pocket while hugging is flirty and playful.
- The cuddle hug
This tight, emotional hug can come with crying and is very comforting.
- The pick-up-and-spin hug
Playful and often seen in movies, it conveys joy and excitement.
- The awkward hug
An uncomfortable hug often arises from unfamiliarity or an odd situation.
- The pat on the back hug
Similar to a pat on the back, it’s a simple acknowledgment, often without romantic intent.
- The hug followed by a forehead kiss
Combining a hug with a forehead kiss is tender and romantic.
- The long-lasting hug
A tight hug that lasts longer than usual shows strong support and love.
- The group hug
Shared by friends or family, this hug expresses appreciation for relationships.
When is a hug inappropriate?
Hugs can feel uncomfortable if the other person isn’t receptive. Always pay attention to their body language before going in for a hug. If they seem closed off or uncomfortable, it’s best to respect their space. Hugging can also be inappropriate when there’s too much physical contact between individuals who aren’t close. Avoid using types of hugs meant for romantic partners with colleagues or acquaintances.
Understanding different types of hugs can help you decode their meaning, respect others’ boundaries, and avoid awkward situations. Hugs have numerous benefits, including connecting you to others and improving your well-being. Learning to interpret these hugs can provide insights into your relationships.