How much for a hug

25 Different Types Of Hugs (With Pictures) And Their Meaning

A hug can reveal much about how you feel about the other person in a relationship.

Specialty: Perinatal Health

Ashley Baldwin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in Perinatal Health. After her Master’s in Counseling, she did certifications in Perinatal Mental Health and is a Certified Addictions Counselor (CACII), with more th. more

Shikha is a writer-turned-associate editor at MomJunction. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship t. more

A hug is one of the best and widely accepted ways to show your affection and love. It communicates many emotions that words fail to express. There are different types of hugs that express different emotions. When you feel low, angry, distressed, or sad, a hug is all you need to lift your mood. A heartfelt hug can heal broken hearts and resolve any differences. Hugs are also a form of greeting people and showing friendliness. However, they can sometimes be misinterpreted if you don’t read the subtext. This post talks about different styles of hugs and their meanings.

25 Different Types Of Hugs And What They Mean

1. The tight hug

A tight hug is a kind of full-bodied, warm embrace where you completely wrap your arms around your loved one. An extra squish highlights the closeness you share with the person. This type of hug usually happens in emotional situations when you do not have enough words to explain, such as when you meet someone after a long time or when you bid farewell. Only people whom you have known for a while will be comfortable with a tight hug.

2. The side hug

The side hug is relatively less intimate and mostly shared between friends. It is more relaxed and often showcases that you are in a good mood. You can see employees sharing such a hug at the workplace or when people pose for photographs. A side hug may appear casual, but often could be genuine and meaningful. Long-term acquaintances share a side hug on certain occasions or at parties to give positive energy.

3. Polite hug

The polite hug is a formal hug usually shared with colleagues or distant relatives in an attempt to create a social bond. A polite hug tends to be short and quick. You should pay attention to the finer nuances of such a hug as the receiver may seem uncomfortable or awkward.

4. The bear hug

The bear hug is probably the most genuine and meaningful hug. A real and tight hug is usually shared in moments of joy or excitement. A lot intimate, such a hug involves wrapping your arms around another person. Typically, such hugs are platonic! The tight embrace fills you with warmth and relieves you of stress and anxiety. The hug is a reassurance of how much you care for the relationship.

5. The long hug

The long hug is typical of long-term relationships or shared between friends. A comforting and strong embrace, you may yearn for such a hug when you feel low. You take the other person in your arms and hold them tight to send out a message that you are there for them. The hug provides much-needed warmth and emotional support to your romantic interest, and speaks of your incredible chemistry.

6. The back hug

The back hug is a surprise hug that signifies deep feelings or is often shared during happy moments. The back hug expresses your strong physical connection in trustworthy and intimate relationships. Such a hug indicates that the two people are fond of each other. A gentle backstroke can express what a million words cannot.

7. The straddle hug

A full body close embrace with deep eye contact, the straddle hug is often shared between romantic partners. A private and intimate gesture, the hug often has an underlying sexual overtone. The hug highlights a good physical connection and mutual trust between the two people.

8. The London Bridge hug

The London Bridge hug involves the upper part of the body touching while the lower body stays apart. London Bridge hug is a formal hug or cordial embrace when two people maintain a certain distance from one another. This is the most awkward hug. We often see such hugs between diplomats or politicians. Such hugs are often shared to strike a social bond or to establish a non-personal relationship.

9. The eye-to-eye hug

The eye-to-eye hug is common to new couples and people with deeper feelings. Such a hug could often be an expression of romantic love when two people get lost in each other’s eyes. The eye-to-eye hug is a personal and intimate one, which indicates a strong and deep bond between two people. Slow dancing with your soul mate often results in this type of hug with a gentle squish.

10. The pickpocket hug

The pickpocket hug is also a kind of passionate embrace but can be casual. You put your hands on their hips closer to their back pockets, and it is reciprocated similarly. A pickpocket hug is a sign of your affectionate feelings for each other, along with the security of your relationship.

11. Patting hug

A hug accompanied by a gentle pat is meant to pep up the mood of a sad or a dejected person. Such a hug is platonic and an excellent indication of camaraderie.

12. Quick hug

A quick hug is often misconstrued as unaffectionate or cold, but may not always be true. A quick hug rarely has a romantic subtext.

13. Buddy Hug

Ever placed a hand around your buddy? That is a buddy hug! A buddy hug is not shared in a romantic relationship. You can see siblings sharing a buddy hug, which is never one-sided.

14. The hug with resting heads on each other

Resting your heads on each other while in a warm embrace is a cozy cuddle. It is a deep and long-lasting romantic hug that makes one feel secure. You are madly in love with the special person if you rest your head on your partner’s head. This type of hug is an intimate gesture that indicates the mutual trust and deep commitment you share with the person.

15. The hug with twirling you around

The hug with you twirling around is an example of happy hugging. In this type of hug, a taller person lifts a relatively shorter person and twirls her or him around with a tight hug. You can often see such hugs at airports when two people meet each other after a long time.

16 The hug around the waist

A hug around the waist can indicate a strong or casual relationship. This type of hug can signify that the person wants to spend as much time together as possible. A more intense one can grow into a warm, loving embrace and is typical of a passionate relationship. Observing one’s body language can reveal a lot about how they truly feel!

17 The ragdoll hug

The ragdoll hug is an interesting type of hug, which signifies a one-sided relationship. The ragdoll hug may indicate that the other person may not want to walk the extra mile to take the relationship to the next level. This type of hug can be considered cold and off-putting. However, there is a possibility of misreading the other person’s true intentions. It could be that the person is a dear friend who is too shy or not too comfortable with physical affection.

18 Sloppy hug

The sloppy hug is mostly shared at happy occasions or parties, where you need to appear to be warm and friendly to form social bonds! This type of hug may last longer but may not mean anything. You do it because it is polite. The sloppy hug is not intimate and often common between male and female friends.

19 Slow dance hug

A slow dance hug is a sweet and intimate gesture, possibly seen on dates with your Valentine or at weddings during a waltz. This type of hug signifies your shared desire to remain locked in a close hug. The whole world tends to fade away when this is accompanied by deep eye contact. The hug speaks about your incredible chemistry and connection.

20 The catcher hug

The catcher hug is the physical manifestation of missing someone. This can apply to all kinds of relationships. The catcher hug will be shared by two people in a long-distance relationship or when you meet your best friend after a long time. You rush towards them in excitement and share an intimate embrace. This hug exudes positive energy and displays your real emotions.

21 Flirty hug

A flirty hug is the sign of a newfound love or the onset of a new relationship. Such a hug involves light touch and subtle expression of extra attention. This is typical of outgoing people who are trying to explore your mutual chemistry without saying anything explicitly. The flirty hug is a nice gesture with an exclusive look that conveys your strong feelings.

22 Self-hug

The self-hug is a special type of hug. One cannot always depend on others for hugs and emotional reassurances. In such a scenario, self-hugs are ideal. Just wrapping your arms around yourself in a tight embrace is a wonderful feeling of the affection you have for yourself!

23 The cuddle hug

Cuddles form the basis of a serious relationship. The cuddle hug is a lovely way of showing your strong bond with your romantic partner and involves kisses and nuzzling. The cuddle hug is snug and cozy when you wake up in the morning or when you are on the couch watching television together. This type of hug signifies the loving and caring nature of your relationship.

24 Group hug

Assemble your squad for this one! They are your special people with whom you have developed a deep bond over the years. Be it your coveted inner circle trio or your entire gang, this hug is probably the friendliest type of hug. Nothing is as warm and comforting as being surrounded by your loved ones, locked together in a warm embrace.

25 One-sided hug

The one-sided hug is probably the most awkward of all hugs. The other person just isn’t involved in it. You may feel cold as the other person shrugs you off quickly. A one-sided hug may make you feel unwanted, but try to read your relationship dynamic beforehand. You should not encroach into the other person’s personal space.

Hugs have become a conventional norm in recent times. However, some people prefer to have their personal space and shy away from physical touch. They may open up only to their family members or romantic interest. If the person is an acquaintance or colleague, they may prefer something formal like a handshake. Try to reserve your tight hugs for your close friends and romantic partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an inappropriate hug?

A hug is considered improper when:

2. How long is too long for a hug?

In general, a hug is believed to be anywhere between five to ten seconds. But, you need to limit yourself to this timeframe, and if someone wants a long hug, you can embrace and comfort each other as long as you want.

3. What is a frame hug?

A frame hug is one where two people stand apart and hug by bending their waist and leaning forward so that only their shoulders are touching while hugging.

Hugs are therapeutic. They can bring comfort and can be de-stressing while also conveying your strong bond and emotional connection. Analyzing body language will tell you a lot about the nature of your relationship. Try to read your unique relationship with the other person and accordingly decide on the type of hug to avoid confusion.

These 15 different types of hugs reveal what your relationship is really like

There is nothing quite as comforting as a hug from the right person. Whether between parents and children, friends or lovers, hugs strengthen our bonds while making us healthier and happier.

You may not have thought about it, but there are different types of hugs that convey different messages between people.

This is also true of hugs between potential life partners.

Hugs can say a lot about your relationship. Let’s see what these fifteen different types of hugs reveal as shared by Bright Side.

1. The hug from behind

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You are busy in the kitchen cooking or cleaning up, and your guy comes from behind and puts his arms around you. In this hug he is covering your body from behind, protecting you while pulling you close to him, making you feel wanted.

This man is ready to protect you and is not afraid of responsibility. Even if he hasn’t said the words yet, a guy who holds you like this is in love.

There’s actually a new theory in relationship psychology that goes to the heat of why men hug women like this.

According to this theory, a man will only fall in love with a woman when he feels like a provider and protector.

In other words, he wants to be your hero.

I know it sounds a bit silly. In this day and age, women don’t need someone to rescue them. They don’t need a ‘hero’ in their lives.

And I couldn’t agree more.

But here’s the ironic truth. Men do still need to be a hero. Because it’s built into their DNA to seek out relationships that allow them to feel like a protector. When he hugs you from behind, it’s clear he wants to protect you.

2. The hug at the waist

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Even if the man hasn’t confessed his feelings to you yet, this embrace speaks for itself. This kind of hug is an intimate gesture, and it shows that he wants to spend as much time together as possible. He trusts you and is happy to see you.

But be careful, these men are often quick to fall in and out of love in a relationship.

3. The hug with a pat on the back

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We all know this hug, and it’s not a romantic one. If he is your friend, the hug is just that, a hug from a friend and the friendship is unlikely to go any further.

If you are already in a relationship and this is the kind of hug you mostly get from him, you might consider that he’s not really than into you. You are more like a preferred buddy. Maybe time to move on and find the one that will really be into you?

4. The hug while looking into the eyes

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A tender hug from him while looking into your eyes spells a deep connection between you. He cares for you deeply. Hold onto this one!

5. The “London Bridge” hug

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In this hug, there’s an actual distance between you and the whole affair looks awkward. If a guy hugs you like this, he’s not into you and most likely doesn’t want to hug you in the first place. If the distance between you is spontaneous, then obviously you feel the same and are only doing the polite thing.

6. The one-handed hug

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When he embraces you by pulling you close with one arm around your shoulder, it is a vivid image of him taking you under his wing. This guy will protect you and be ready to offer help and support when needed.

If you are only friends, then the man offers his help and support. Likewise, a girl who hugs a guy like this is signal that the guy is just a friend and things will probably not go any further.

7. The naughty hug

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This is the hug where the guy’s hand travels down your back and maybe rests on your buttock. He’s ready for some bedroom action. No patience here.

Even though you might not be in a relationship yet, he is quick to establish his “claim” on you as his.

If indeed you are not in a relationship, his behavior demonstrates lust, not love. If however, you are in a relationship, his clearly still has the hots for you.

8. The strong hug

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If a man hugs you firmly and gently strokes your back, you have everything you need: someone that both protects and cherishes you. He is committed and wants a long-term relationship that includes the whole nine yards. If that’s what you want to, then you’re in luck.

If you’re a guy and you want to get a girl to like you, this is a hug.

9. The hug that lasts

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This kind of hug keeps on without either person having to say anything. It is a silent expression of love and support that doesn’t require any words. It is not only expressed between couples but also between loved ones in general.

Whoever hugs you like this, will always stand by you through thick and thin.

All these hugs beg the question: what type of hugger are you?

10. The bear hug

This hug involves wrapping your arms completely around another person. It’s a sign that they want to protect them.

It’s easier to implement if one person is much bigger than the other. It’s common for men to do this to a woman they want to look after.

It’s not sexy or romantic but is rather a sign that the hugger truly cares for them.

It’s also one that parents use on their children to show that they’re there to protect them.

It can either be done from the front or back.

11. The straddle hug

This hug is what the title suggests – a hug that doesn’t last long at all. It has no romantic connotations to it, and may even appear a bit rude. But don’t be fooled, it’s not exactly rude.

Generally, it means that there is affection there, but it’s kind of weird to hug each other, so it’s best to keep it quick.

Guys who are awkward and don’t know the girl well might do this hug.

It doesn’t mean that they don’t want to develop a deep connection with you (otherwise they wouldn’t hug you at all!) but they’re just being a bit awkward about having a real hug.

14. The hug with head on the shoulder

This hug happens when one person is keener than the other.

It means that one person is trying hard to hug a person who doesn’t really want to be hugged. They don’t even lift their arms to hug back.

This is a bad sign of a one-sided relationship. This is also the same for friendship. A relationship works best when both are as committed as each other.

How to hug a guy

If you’re a girl, a great hug doesn’t have to be complex or difficult. All it takes is a genuine commitment to hold someone. Being half-hearted and hesitant won’t help you out.

Guys aren’t looking for the ultimate technique that makes them feel good. It doesn’t have to be sexual, or sensual. You just need to commit and be all in when you’re doing it.

Here are two methods, depending on whether it’s a romantic hug or a friendly hug.

Method 1: The romantic hug

1) Smile at your man and give him eye contact.
2) Wrap your arms around him, sliding both arms between his arms and torso, connecting them at his upper back.
3) Press your chest into his. This is a way to experience a “heart to heart” hug. You can even rest your cheek on his shoulder or chest.
4) Just relax and feel the warmth between the two of you. Let it happen naturally. You’ll both know when to stop.
5) If you want to lift the temperature, stroke your hand on his back and hug him even tighter.

Method 2: The friendly hug

1) Make eye contact and open your arms. Then proceed to move in.
2) You don’t have to be as close as you are in a romantic hug. You can keep your feet more apart.
3) Open your arms wide and place them on his back. Wrap your hands together.
4) Make sure your head is going the opposite way to him to make it more comfortable.
5) Squeeze but don’t hold for too long. You can just squeeze for a second or two.
6) Step away and smile at them.

How to tell if a hug is romantic

If you want to know whether a hug is romantic or not, there a few things you can look for.

1) First, you’ll want to get a baseline of how he usually hugs other people.

This will give you an indication of whether his hug with you is romantic.

2) Is he holding his hug longer than he usually does?

This means that he likes being close to you. He wants to develop rapport by prolonging the hug and showing you that’s he’s comfortable getting close to you.

3) Is he squeezing tighter than he does with other people?

If he is, this is an excellent indication that he wants to make you feel comfortable. He wants to be there for you.

4) Is he stroking your back?

This is a huge sign that it’s romantic and he is attracted to you. If he does it slowly and sensually, then he likes you. Usually, this will be on the lower/middle back. If it’s on the buttocks, then he’s a bit naughty, and he might be looking for something sexual.

5) Does he lift you up?

This is a definite romantic signal. He’s trying to show you his dominance and that he can take care of you.

What to do when a man hugs you from behind

1) If you don’t know him

If a man hugs you from behind and you don’t know who he is, it can be frightening. He might be coping a feel of your body, which is extremely rude.

So if you don’t know him, it can be a dangerous situation.

You can first push his arms away to signal that you don’t want to hug him. If that doesn’t work, then you might want to push your head back to headbutt him. That will certainly shock him and get him away.

2) If you like the guy

Now, I’m sure that a random guy doing this isn’t the majority of cases. Most of the time the guy will like you, or you’ve been previously flirting.

So if you’re enjoying it, you can put one arm on his arm, like your comfortable and you can lean your head on his upper shoulder.

If you like him, but you don’t really want to do this hug in public, you can turn your body around, give him a warm, proper hug and then proceed to move away.

What kind of hugs do guys like

This is a question that many women have on their mind, but the truth is, you don’t have to be so complex about it. There’s no specific technique.

The most important thing is that you’re genuinely invested in giving the hug. Don’t hesitate, or else it’s just awkward.

If you like the guy, your feet can be close to his, and you can move your body in and relax into his chest.

If he’s just a friend, then your feet can be further apart from his, and you can hold the hug for a shorter amount of time. Then you can smile at him and proceed to move away.

He doesn’t really want the perfect woman

How much time do you spend trying to be the kind of woman you think men want?

If you’re like most women, it’s a LOT.

You spend all this time making yourself look sexy and attractive.

All this time presenting yourself as fun, interesting, worldly, and not needy in the slightest. You spend all this time showing him just how good you’d be for him.

How amazing his future would be if he chose you as the woman by his side…

And it doesn’t work. It never works. WHY?

Why do you work so hard… And the guy in your life just takes you for granted, if he even notices you at all?

Many women give up on love. They never let themselves get too close to a man, for fear of scaring him off. But other women try a different approach. They get help.

In my new article, I outline why men back away even when you think you’re doing nothing wrong.

I also outline 3 ways you can invite a guy into your life by giving him exactly what he needs from a woman.

You may also like reading:

Can a relationship coach help you too?

If you want specific advice on your situation, it can be very helpful to speak to a relationship coach.

I know this from personal experience…

A few months ago, I reached out to Relationship Hero when I was going through a tough patch in my relationship. After being lost in my thoughts for so long, they gave me a unique insight into the dynamics of my relationship and how to get it back on track.

If you haven’t heard of Relationship Hero before, it’s a site where highly trained relationship coaches help people through complicated and difficult love situations.

In just a few minutes you can connect with a certified relationship coach and get tailor-made advice for your situation.

I was blown away by how kind, empathetic, and genuinely helpful my coach was.

Written by Coert Engels

I’m a South African based writer and am passionate about exploring the latest ideas in artificial intelligence, robotics and nanotechnology. I also focus on the human condition, with a particular interest human intuition and creativity. To share some feedback about my articles, email me at [email protected]

20 Different Types Of Hugs Ranked (And Their Meanings)

Posted on Last updated: January 5, 2022

You would all agree with me that people use different types of hugs. In that way, they express their emotions about others. People did it a long time ago and it won’t change in the future either.

From the bear hug to the back hug, every hug feels differently and conveys a different meaning (as you can see below). Now, different types of hugs may have different meanings but one thing is sure; every single one of them is equally special.

And if you ask me, hugging is something that brings people together and makes them feel good. It also has some positive effects on people’s health.

It can reduce your anxiety and make you feel like you belong to someone.

It can also reduce your stress hormone and in that way let you sleep better. Want to know the best part?

Scientists found out that couples that hug more in their relationships end up the happiest because hugging reduces stress and improves your well-being. Also, in most cases, they have fewer marital problems.

Now, you all have been doing this for a long time and you know that there are different kinds of hugs.

So, how you will know what they really mean? Is there a way to know what it means when someone gives you a tight hug or when someone hugs you sloppily?

If you didn’t know what each type of hug means, worry no more because I am here to help you understand them better.

I will talk about different kinds of hugs and their meanings right now. It will be easier for you to understand what it means when a person gives you a hug. So let’s start!

20 Different Types Of Hugs And What They Mean

The tight hug

From all the common types of hugs, this is my favorite one. I love when someone hugs me with all their power. You can get that type of hug only from someone who loves you.

When someone hugs me like this, they evoke my bright side and I simply feel amazing.

I spend so much time hugging others like this and I enjoy every second of it. It is also called a squeeze hug because you are squeezing the person in front of you.

It feels like it is the last time they will see you. They want to show you that they love you so much and that they will miss you once you are gone.

If your partner gives you this kind of a hug, it is a subtle sign that he likes you.

It means that he is into you, but is scared to admit it, so he uses this type of hug to show you how much he cares about you and how much he misses you.

If you ever had this type of squeeze, you know what it feels like and I hope that you will have many hugs like this in the future.

The side hug

This hug is the most relaxed one. It is also called the buddy hug. This is how close friends hug each other.

People often hug like this when they are in a good mood or when they hug their friends and acquaintances.

It is not as romantic as the tight hug, but it is sweet. You can often see this kind of hug when people pose for a photo. If they hug each other, the photo will be cute and lovely.

So, if a man has hugged you in this way, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he is into you.

It is a sign that he sees you as a friend and you will have to go the extra mile to get his attention for something more.

And until that happens, just enjoy the buddy hug and be happy. You sure have reasons for that!

The bear hug

The bear hug means wrapping your arms around another person. In that way, you are showing them that you want to protect them.

It is the same when your mom or your dad hug you and you feel so cozy and protected in their arms.

The bear hug can be both; a friendly hug or a romantic hug. This type of hug is suitable for romantic partners, close friends, and family members.

Now, you must recall that this can be a very strong hug, right? Guys like girls that hug like this.

When they do that, they feel some kind of emotional attraction towards them.

Also, this hug is quite popular in sports. Rugby players hug their opponents from the back and in that way immobilize them.

Now, they can do whatever they want because their opponents can’t move.

Even when you use it in that way, a bear hug is more popular in love relationships.

The long hug

If you have ever had a hug like this, I am sure that you felt protected and great.

This is the hug people give you when they want to tell you that they miss you and that they feel protected in your arms.

It is also characteristic of a long-term relationship and for close friends. It is a pretty intimate hug and reserved for those who have strong feelings for each other.

In this way, they may want to tell you that they need help, that their day was bad or they feel down for no reason.

If you get this hug, make sure that you help that person. If you get this kind of a hug from your partner, it means that he really loves you and that he is happy to have you.

If he also includes some eye contact in this hug, you can be positive that his love is deep.

If you pay attention to his body language, you will see that he doesn’t hug all people in the same way.

He thinks that you are his best friend and the one he can lean on when life gets tough.

But one thing is for sure: No matter who gives you a hug like this, if you get it, you can consider yourself a lucky person!

The back hug

People often feel comfortable when they get a back hug. It makes you feel so good to be hugged, even if you don’t actually see the person that is hugging you.

But you know that no matter who hugs you, that person has some deep feelings for you and that he or she missed you when you were gone.

This hug means your partner is totally relaxed with you and, in this way, he just wants to show you how much he loves you and how important you are to him.

It is also called a naughty hug because you can’t see the person behind you and you don’t know who the hugger is at first.

But if a man hugs you this way, touches your waist in a sensual manner, and kisses your hair in the middle of the back hug, you can be sure that he is head over heels in love with you and that it is just a matter of time before he will put a ring on it.

The straddle hug

This is the characteristic hug for people in love. It is very intimate, done in private, and a sign of sexual tension.

You can’t hug all people in this way because it is only reserved for those special ones.

Mostly girls give this kind of a hug to guys and in that way, they make themselves totally exposed.

You need to trust someone a lot to give them this kind of a hug, so think twice before you actually do it.

This hug reveals a lot of lust from the person that receives it and shows that you and your partner have a very good physical connection.

The London Bridge hug

This is quite a specific sort of hug because both parties touch each other with the upper part of their bodies only, while the lower parts of their bodies are far away.

It is what is called the polite hug. It is a little bit cold – politicians and diplomats are often seen hugging like this.

If someone hugs you in this way, you should know that they don’t love you so much and that they don’t want to form any deeper bond with you.

They just want to be acquaintances and don’t have the need to get to know you better.

You might be wondering why people hug in this way in the first place, right? Well, they do so not to act uptight, but they don’t show their real emotions to the person they are hugging.

Admit it, the London Bridge hug is not your cup of tea, right?

The eye-to-eye hug

This is one of the most common types of hugs and is reserved for those that are in love. It is also called an intimate hug because it requires full-body contact and strong eye contact. The eye contact takes this hug to a new level.

I am not saying that you can’t hug your friends or parents in this way, but most people hug their loved ones in this way the most. It is a romantic hug and people in love like to express their love in this way.

When people look in each other’s eyes and when they spend so much time like that, they can see into each other’s souls and feel the love that is between them.

If your loved one hugs you while making strong eye contact during a slow dance, you can consider yourself lucky because it is a sign that he is truly, madly, and deeply in love with you.

Nothing can shake your relationship because both of you are so devoted to it.

The pickpocket hug

This is the kind of a hug you can give to your partner only. It means hugging them in a way where you will put your hands in their back pockets.

It is also called a sort of a naughty hug because your hands are practically on someone’s ass.

They can do that to you at the same time and if they do it, it means that they feel super comfortable with you.

They don’t have a problem doing it when the two of you are alone or when you are with your friends.

If your man hugs you in this way, you can be positive that he loves you deeply. He feels good in his own skin when he is with you and this is his way of showing all his love and affection.

If you are the one that can give this kind of a hug to your partner, congratulations – you two are a true match.

Quick hug

Most people say that they don’t like to get this kind of a hug because the people that are hugging them are not interested in developing any deeper bond with them. But that is so far from the real truth.

You must have been in a situation when you wanted to hug your best friend, for example, but you were late for work or school, so you just gave them a quick hug.

Giving this particular hug doesn’t mean that you are not interested in the person (why would you hug them in the first place?), but only that you don’t have time for a long hug yet you still want to show them your love and affection.

Now you can rest assured because even a quick hug is a hug!

The hug with resting heads on each other

Did you ever get that sort of hug from your man when he would rest his head gently on yours?

If you did, you know how amazing that was. It felt like you are the most beloved woman of them all and that he has eyes only for you.

This hug is extremely comfortable and cozy and it shows that you have deep feelings for each other.

It can also tell you that the two of you are a perfect match and that he wouldn’t be able to imagine his life without you. If this isn’t a romantic hug, I don’t know what is.

The hug with twirling you around

If you girls have ever been in love with a man who gave you this kind of a hug, I am sure that you will remember him for the rest of your lives.

By giving this kind of a hug to you, a man shows that he enjoys spending time with you and he is not afraid to show you his playful side.

It means that he loves to see you smile and giggle, so he will continue to do this until you say it is enough. The best thing is when it happens all of a sudden.

For me personally, this is one of the most fun hugs to get, so count yourself lucky if you have someone to hug you like this.

The hug around the waist

This version of hug suits people that are in relationships and it shows a lot of love and affection.

It can be a strong hug or a more casual one, depending on the occasion.

It is also a sign that a person feels comfortable and that they enjoy every second spent with you.

Also, some people consider this sort of hug as a sign of lust. You can recognize this if there is something more involved with this hug, like neck kissing or cheek kissing.

Also, if he has some eye contact while hugging you like this, you can bet that he is madly in love with you.

It can happen both in a long-term relationship and in a short-term one. If you just pay attention to his body language, you will know what he really feels.

When boys are trying to find out how to seduce a girl, they use this certain hug.

They don’t feel awkward because they are not close to you but yet they feel that there is something more than just a friendship between the two of you.

The ragdoll hug

This kind of hug happens between two people where one of them doesn’t care about another one.

If you receive this kind of a hug, it is a sign of a one-sided relationship. No matter how much one person tries to make the relationship work, it is all in vain because the other one doesn’t give a damn.

It is the same for love and friendship relationships because, for both of them, this kind of hug is not something a person looks forward to.

It is a polite hug so that the other party won’t feel bad about you not giving them any extra attention.

Sloppy hug

This kind of a hug might be long, but that doesn’t mean anything because it is sloppy.

You hug people like that when you don’t care about them so much, but you do it because it is polite or because everyone else is hugging them. This type of hug is not shared in a romantic relationship.

It doesn’t show any love or affection and it looks like you’re just doing it for no reason. Believe it or not, people do give this hug from time to time.

Slow dance hug

This hug is characteristic of weddings where couples are so close to each other.

If they move apart, they still leave their hands on each other. It is because they feel comfortable in that position and they want to stay like that.

It is romantic and sweet, and couples who dance like this feel incredible chemistry and connection.

If you and your partner have this hug, you can bet that there is something really big going on between you.

When you dance with your loved one in this way, you will highlight your bright side.

Others will see how happy and satisfied you are and you will simply melt in your partner’s arms.

The catcher hug

This hug is characteristic for couples who have strong feelings for each other.

If you have ever had this hug, then you know what I am talking about.

It looks something like this: You see your man standing there all charming and sweet, so you decide to run and hug him.

When you approach him, you can’t control yourself and you jump into his arms while wrapping your legs around his waist.

This hug is very intimate so you can’t hug just anyone like this.

But if you decide to hug your man like this, he will definitely be over the moon.

In fact, he will be the one who will insist on this hug every time you two meet. And who can blame him, since this hug is so sweet!

Flirty hug

This hug is for those who love to live on the edge. If you give a flirty hug, you don’t reveal your intentions about a man clearly, but the way you lean in to hug him and your body position tells it all.

When you hug a man like this, it means that you want something more with him.

It means you are attracted to him and you are using your body to show him how much you like him.

Also, every woman giving a hug like this prays to God that the guy realizes how much she is interested in him. If you have ever given this hug to someone, you know what I am talking about.

Also, you know that this hug sparks a lot of chemistry within, so watch out who you are going to hug like this!

Self hug

When you start thinking about hugs, you totally forget that there is a self-hug, right?

You think about hugging someone or someone hugging you, but what you don’t know is that this certain hug can calm you and help you relax.

It is good when you need a hug but there is nobody around to hug you. In that case, you can always reward yourself with this hug and you will feel better right away.

Even if it is not something that we practice often, it doesn’t matter that it is less valuable. In fact, it is the best hug ever you can get!

The cuddle hug

This hug is for those in love. It is full of hugs, kisses, and cuddling. In that way, both partners want to let know each other how much they care.

When you hug someone like this, you don’t just give them a normal hug.

This is much more than that and the other side will feel special because of the incredible chemistry.

It is a hug that you give only to a person who means a lot to you and whom you love so much.

Also, just because this hug is only for a special person in your life, it is rare, but once you get it, you feel so safe and protected. Who would say that hugs can affect people like this, right?

What Type Of Hug Is Best?

Deciding what type of hug is best for you greatly depends on the context of the situation you’re in and on the type of relationship you have with that person.

If you want to consol someone, the best type of hug would be the backstroke hug. This type of hug is considered a reassurance hug (when you rub someone’s back soothingly to make them feel good).

If you’re in a romantic relationship, the best types of hugs would be a tight hug, long hug, or bear hug, and the ones that allow you to establish prolonged eye contact. This type of hug takes intimacy to a new level and it is valid proof that a hug is more than just physical touch.

You can give your friends a tight hug, bear hug, or side hug. All in all, my personal favorite is a tight hug because it allows you to perfectly express how much that one person means to you (be it your friend, family member, or partner).

Whichever type of hug you choose, you cannot go wrong with it as long as it’s in accordance with the situation and your relationship with that one person. Let’s say that every type of hug is the best hug.

What Kinds Of Hugs Do Guys Like?

Guys like these types of intimate hugs: bear hug, tight hug, the long hug, and the pickpocket hug. Guys like when girls wrap their arms around them because this allows guys to feel like they are protecting them.

They like when a girl gives them a gentle squeeze and when the hug lasts for a long time. Guys also LOVE the pickpocket hug. This type of hug is usually reserved for males, so if a girl gives them such a hug, they will be amazed by her level of self-confidence.

A confident woman is a huge turn-on always and forever. If you can give your partner or a crush this type of hug, know that they will be impressed by your bold move every single time.

Guys are also suckers for the tall hug. It’s a type of hug where you have to stand on your toes and raise your arms around his head. But there’s a catch here. If you intend on hugging a guy like this, you have to make sure that he is indeed taller than you. Otherwise, it would be really awkward.

What Is A Flirty Hug?

A flirty hug is a type of hug where males and females subtly reveal their intentions by giving a hug in a flirty way. The polite hug includes upper-body contact, whereas a flirty hug involves contact below the belly button.

Females give this type of hug in a way that they make incidental contact below the belt. When a girl gives such a hug to a guy, she truly hopes that he will notice how much she likes him.

Males have to do it in a less creepy way. They give flirty hugs by positioning their hand lower than normal for a hug.

Another male way of giving a flirty hug is by keeping his center of gravity back, with his spine straight. When a guy does, a girl has to stretch up in order to be able to hug him properly.

So, when a guy hugs you like this, you know he’s interested in something more with you.

If there is separation below the navel, then this is not considered a flirtatious hug but a platonic one. Keep in mind the difference between the two next time you hug someone.

How Do You Know If A Hug Is Romantic?

When a hug is romantic, it lasts. It is never a quick hug or a sloppy one. Romantic hugs are the ones that include lots of closeness and touching (and sometimes they even give you goosebumps).

Among different types of hugs, a romantic hug is the most special one. This hug doesn’t include a pat on the back, but a gentle rub. A romantic hug also includes locking eyes and also contacts below the bowel.

This type of hug is caressing and comforting. It makes you feel protected, loved, and special. If a hug is romantic, you’ll know it without needing to check the other person’s body language because you will feel it with every fiber of your being.

In Conclusion

I just want to say that no matter what hug you get, you should just embrace it.

It is a way others show us their love and affection. Maybe you sometimes can’t find the right words to express your feelings, but with different types of hugs, you can tell so much more.

When you hug another person, they can feel your good energy and you can feel theirs.

If you are down, you will feel better the moment they lay their hands on you. Also, if you are happy, you will be even happier when they hug you.

Trust me, hugs are like therapy. You just need to know which way you should hug someone.

Please remember that there are hugs that you can share with your friends and acquaintances, but there are some hugs that you can share only with your partner. So, make sure that you don’t mix them!

One more thing: Whatever you do, always remain positive and hug like there is no tomorrow. That is the only right way of giving your love to others!

70 Hugging Quotes for Him and Her

We love to interact with people and get to know them better. Sometimes we find people we want to spend the rest of our lives with. They bring us love, comfort, and safety. Sometimes when you’re feeling low, they instantly lighten up your mood. When you need them, they are by your side. Sometimes all you need is them holding you in their arms.

A hug from a particular person can take away all your pain and sorrows. After a bad day, when you go back home to your significant other, you see their face and embrace them; that’s when you feel at peace and home.

When you’re crying, and your partner comes and hugs you, it gives you a sense of comfort. It enhances your love for them and makes the bond stronger. Your connection grows, and it also stimulates the flow of happy hormones. Someday, before going to work, hug your partner and wish them a good day and when you come back home, hug them again. Most of your worries and stress will fly out of the window.

A hug works miracles, especially when you get it from a loved one. Just hug and cuddle with your partner and spend the evening in each other’s arms drinking hot chocolate while watching the rain. Here are some hugging quotes for you.

Hugging Quotes for Him and Her

“I need a hug right now to let you know how my heart is beating for you.”

“Whenever misunderstandings happen, I want to hug you from back to share my warmness and that will make us one.”

“A simple close heartbeat, skin on skin means more than anything in this world.”

“One of the best feelings in the world is when you hug someone you love, and they hug you back even tighter.”

“Hugging someone taller than you is the best feeling ever because you feel protected.”

“I need a hug. I just need someone to hold me. I don’t want to talk about it. Just lay in and cuddle.”

“The best feeling in the world is being pulled closer.”

“I just want three things. To see you, To hug you, To kiss you.”

“A tight hug can do so much for someone that’s hurting.”

“Hugs were invented to let people know you love them without having to say anything.”

“I’m strong person, but once in a while, I need someone to hug me and tell me, “Everything is going to be alright.”

“I want a hug not just a normal hug, one of those tight hugs that take my breath away. Give me butterflies, and make me smile like crazy.”

“To have someone hold you could be the greatest medicine of all.”

“Hugging is the most beautiful form of communication that allows the other person to know beyond a doubt that they matter.”

“First Hug, I still remember that day, when you hugged me for the first time, that kiss on the head and the smell of yours is still on my mind. I feel safe whenever you are around, your arms are like heaven and I.”

“I just hugged you in my thoughts… Hope you felt the squeeze!”

“Your hugs make everything better.”

“I like hugs. The really long hugs, the ones where you just don’t want to let go.”

“Hugs from behind just feel so good.”

“I need one of those long hugs where you kind of forget whatever else is happening around you for a minute.”

“I love it when I hug someone, and just when I’m about to let go, they hug me even tighter.”

“They say Disney world is the happiest place on earth, obviously they haven’t been in your arms.”

“A hug might be a simple gesture, but it feels amazing when it’s you hugging me.”

“I don’t want diamonds or the world, I just want you to hold me and call me your girl.”

“You can tell a lot about a person by the way they hug you. If they really care, you’ll feel their hug.”

“I need a hug… No, No. I need your hug.”

“A hug for you means I need you.
A kiss for you means I love you.
A call for you means I miss you.”

“Hug me and I’ll hug you back. I promise.”

“I am in need of a hug. But from not just anyone, I want one from you.”

“Sometimes all you need is a hug from the right person… and all your stress will melt away.”

“I love those hugs where you just don’t want to let go.”

“Sometime all we really need is someone to wrap us in a big hug and say everything’s gonna be okay.”

“It feels so right when you hug me so tight.”

“Living without you is unimaginable. I love you sweetheart.

“I know why hugs feel so good. It’s because two hearts are never closer than when to people hug.”

“I don’t want much just your hugs, kisses and you.”

“My favorite place is inside your hug.”

“When my arms can’t reach people who are close to my heart, I always hug them with my prayers.”

“Did you know that a twenty second hug releases the bonding hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin, which is nature’s antidepressant and antianxiety.”

“Kiss me, Tease me, Touch me, Hug me, Cuddle me, Tickle me, and love me.”

“Please hug me really tight and tell me you love me. Tell me you’re glad to be here with me. Tell me that everything will be alright and that I make you happy, and glad to be alive.”

“You may not be able to wrap my hug in a box, but I can wrap my arms around you instead.”

“I just want to run up to you, hug you and never let you go.”

“A hug is handshake from the heart.”

“I promise to hug you tight when you’re lonely.”

“If a hug represented how much I love you I would hold you in my arms forever.”

“Sometimes I push you away, because I need you to pull me closer and hug tight.”

“I miss I just wanna hug right now.”

“Millions and millions of years would still not give me half enough time to describe that tiny instant of all eternity when you put your arms around me and I put my arms around you.” – Jacques Prevert

“One day someone is going to hug you so tight that all of your broken pieces will stick together.”

“It’s been a long day. I need one of those hugs.”

“Your hugs and kisses are like the stars that light up my life when things get dark.”

“A hug delights and warms and charms, so that must be why God gave us arms.”

“I wanna hug you so tight that it would let you know how much I’m missing you. ”

“Sleeping in your boyfriend’s arms has got to be the most safest and comfortable place in this world.”

“You can tell a lot about a person by the way they hug you. If they really care, you’ll feel their hug.”

“There is a moment in your life, when you miss someone so badly, you just want to hug them so tight and make them realize how much they mean to you.”

“I wanna hug someone and roll around with them. And bury my face in their chest and small them cologne and just feel their arms around me.”

“I wanna hug you tight.
I wanna make you feel wanted.
I wanna call you mine.
I wanna hold you forever.
I love you, my sweetheart!”

“Sometimes when I say “I’m okay,” I want someone to look me in the eyes, hug me tight, and say, “I know you’re not.”

“I just want to hug you so much right now.”

“Hugs are actually so underrated; especially those hugs that are so tight you can literally feel the other person’s heartbeat and for a moment everything feels so calm and safe like nothing can hurt you.”

“Wanna hug you so tight that even air couldn’t fill the space between us.”

“A kiss without a hug is like a flower without the fragrance.” – Proverb

“Sometimes a hug is all you need to make you feel better.”

“Hugging is a silent way of saying ‘you matter to me.”

“Sending you, Big hugs, little hugs, Snuggle hugs, healing hugs, Comfort hugs. Whatever kind of hugs you need, this should have it covered, especially for you. I love you.”

“Every time I think of you, it is like getting a hug from the inside out.”

“Hugs make you feel psychologivally more secure and together.” – Leo Buscaglia

9 Different Types of Hugs and What They Mean

Hugging is underrated, powerful, and compelling.

By balancing the purity of simply wanting to embrace another human as a means to showcase your love to them with the intimacy that can also be derived from a tight embrace, hugging can do a lot.

And by doing a lot, we mean so in an emotional manner. Hugging is a keystone part of building trust and bringing yourselves closer on both the physical realm and also in terms of your relationship, and it is a definitive means of which your body language can act as a medium to express how you feel.

From enhancing your love life to promoting overall comfort in your relationship, hugging should never be forgotten or taken for granted.

So check out this guide on the nine different types of hugs, as well as their benefits, and see exactly what this body language of love (or possibly not!) just might reveal about your relationship.

The benefits of hugging

Do you wonder, why do people hug? What is the significance of a hug?

Before we talk about the different types of hugs, let us get to know some of the striking benefits of hugging.

A simple hug is one of the best ways to show social and romantic support for someone and to help in lowering stress levels for both the person of which you are comforting and also yourself.

Studies have proven that hugs can lower your heart rate and blood sugar, proving that hugging is actually extremely beneficial for your heart health!

Overall, hugging is one of the most subtly intimate of connections that maintains tons of health benefits to your body, so much so that hugging can even help to protect you from illness!

But also being healthy for you, hugging is healthy for your relationship. This non-sexual form of closeness is the perfect way to demonstrate your love through body language, and hugging has been shown to better promote one’s ability to communicate emotion via touch.

The less stressed out and the healthier we feel, the happier we become and the more that we can project that happiness directly back into our relationships, all while building connection through sexless touch.

It only takes one hug a day to reap the benefits of this under-the-radar act, so I’d say it’s well worth a nice tight embrace the next time you are with your loved one, right?

Here are listed some of the major benefits!

9 Types of hugs

Here are listed some of the common types of hugs that you must have seen in the movies or around you or even experienced yourself. But, not every type of hug conveys the same meaning or emotion.

Read on to discover the meanings of these different types of hugs.

1. The Bear Hug

When it comes to hugging, let’s start with a classic: “The Bear Hug.”

The bear hug is that big ol’ embrace in which you wrap your arms around each other, pulling the other person towards you as tightly as possible and squeezing them as though you never want to let go!

A bear hug is an excellent indication of a healthy relationship. A sign of trust, intimacy beyond sexuality, and protection!

First and foremost, this hug acts as a showcase of the intimacy you share, as even though the hug itself might not be that sexy, it is indicative of pure trust. And of course, this hug is quite the indication that you want to protect your partner and always provide them a safe place.

So, now you know how to give good hugs!

2. A squeeze from behind

Similar to the bear hug, tightly hugging someone from behind is another definitive showcase of a relationship in which the partner hugging is telling the other through this body language that they are there to act as their protector in life and that they will not let anything happen to them.

A hug from behind the waist usually comes with a slight surprise and often occurs during normal life moments, like having your back turned while cooking dinner, so this protective hug definitely speaks aloud your affection as well.

3. A pick-up and swing hug

Go for a pick-up and swing hug!

When the fire of your love is roaring and you alas see your partner after an amount of time has passed of which you weren’t together, picking them up in a wild embrace cliche to the movies is always a beautiful indication of the way that you feel for one another.

If you and your partner share these moments, then it is probably safe to say that you are wildly in love and that your passion is at its peak. Just never let these moments fade with time!

4. A hug at the waist

How to hug romantically?

A hug at the waist is indeed one of the most romantic and intimate types of hugs!

A hug at the waist brings one partner below the shoulders of the other, down and closer to the stomach during this embrace.

This type of hug is a wonderful means of manifesting your intimacy to your partner, as this hug (to the person hugging) speaks loudly on the fact that you feel comfortable with your intimacy and that you trust your partner to cater to the delicacy of romantic feelings.

5. The eye contact hug

Eyes are the window to the soul, right?

Combine the unspoken message of love and intimacy through the language of eye contact with the physical touch and embrace of a hug, and you will never feel so at home and so wanted.

This is certainly one of the best types of hugs that allows you to go beyond just the physical aspects of your relationship.

6. The “I want you” hug

With love, of course, comes intimacy, and with intimacy comes the desire to be as close to your partner as possible on a physical level.

A hug that is seductive in nature, such as one that involves the touching of the hair or a light brush of hands down the back, is a way to tell your partner or for your partner to tell you that they wish to take things behind closed doors.

Use this type of hug as a subtle and romantic means of initiating your desire to get close.

7. The extended hug

How to give the best hug to your partner?

A long-lasting hug that feels as though time no longer exists is the absolute best way to symbolize to your partner the infinite nature of your love for them.

You can also go about rubbing the back while hugging when you wish to console or comfort your partner during the extended hug.

8. The friendly hug

Not all types of hugs are meant for friends. So, how do you hug a friend or someone in the family?

This hug is one of the safest types of hugs that you can give to your family and friends.

A hug with a slight pat on the back is a great way to showcase to someone that you are there for them, that you care about them, and that you are there for more comfort when comfort is needed.

When delicate situations arise or when you want to step back and appreciate your partner beyond just intimacy, appreciating the foundation elements of your love such as friendship, this hug is a great way to showcase this.

9. The side hug

This type of hug says I want to be close, and I am not afraid of showing that we are together and in love, but in a way that is subtle and not over the top.

How many hugs do we need?

Are you wondering how many hugs are sufficient for optimal health?

This might sound like a lot of hugs, but we can never have enough hugs, can we?

Clearly, when in doubt, you need to hug it out. Hugs are harmless and healthy, after all.

Wrapping up

We have learned what the different types of hugs are and what they mean. Hugs and love share a deep connection indeed.

But, now we also know that two people hugging do not always mean the same thing. Depending on the type of hug, we can gauge their relationship or the emotions they are sharing.

So, when you wish to express your feelings for your loved ones or your deep love for your partner, do not hold yourself back from hugging them. Use the different types of hugs mentioned in this article with the right person and at the right time!