Buzz
A hug is a wonderful way to express love and affection. It shows your care for someone, letting them know you will always support them, whether they are happy or going through tough times. However, the way you hug someone you like, or a person you love, will differ from how you hug a friend or a family member. Here are a few tips on how to hug those you hold dear.
Steps
Hugging Someone You Admire
Approach them cautiously. Smile and offer kind words or compliments. Chances are, they might be wanting a hug too! It would feel awkward if you suddenly try to hug someone, especially in a public place.
- Hugs often happen during celebrations like birthdays, graduations, or even when two people reunite after being apart for a long time (these could be the perfect moments for a hug).
Move closer and wrap your arms around the person you secretly admire, pulling them gently towards you. Don’t worry!
- If you're a man, her arms should go around your neck, while you hold her at the waist. Keep her in that position for a few seconds and release once she lets go. Look into her eyes as you release her and continue the conversation naturally.
- If you're a woman, place your hands on his back and gently press your chest against his. Let go as soon as he does. Don’t hold on too tightly, or you might be perceived as too forward.
Hugging a Friend
Move towards them. Smile warmly.
Hug them.
- Women: Close your eyes and think about how much you cherish them while hugging. Hold on as much as feels right, but don’t squeeze too tight. Avoid patting their shoulder during the hug; some women may not appreciate it.
- Men: Give a firm hug and pat their shoulder. If you’re feeling emotional, hold the hug a little longer, but avoid patting their shoulder.
Hugging Your Partner
Move closer to the person and place your hand on their shoulder. This simple action can be incredibly romantic, regardless of who initiates the hug first.
Look into their eyes and say, 'I love you.' If you wish, tell them how much you care and how much you treasure every moment spent together.
Hug the person. Hold your loved one for as long as you feel comfortable.
- Men: Carefully slide your hand down her back, placing it on her waist, and gently caress her lower back. Rest your head on her shoulder and pull her towards you for as long as you like.
- If you wish, you can communicate with her through the palms of your hands and try to keep her warm.
- You can also lift her off the ground and place all her weight on you. Many women especially love this move.
- If you're standing apart, you can look into her eyes, smile softly, and if the moment feels right, kiss her as you wish.
- Women: Open your arms towards him and wrap them around his neck and back. Lean in and press your upper body close to his.
- If you are in a very intimate moment, you can intertwine your legs with his, if appropriate.
- Avoid placing your arms under his shoulders and hugging too tightly, even if you're the same height.
Hugging a Family Member
Move towards them. Approach the person gently. Clearly, the emotions involved in hugging a family member differ from those felt when hugging a romantic partner, friend, or loved one, unless your family member is also your close friend.
Hugging a Family Member. It’s perfectly fine to keep talking while hugging.
- The placement of your hands is not that important, as the person you’re hugging will likely not pay much attention to it.
- Gently pull them towards you. There’s no need for overly strong contact.
- Give a quick caress over their shoulder. Smile as you release them from the hug.
Tips for Hugging in Any Style
Only hug when the person you want to embrace is also extending their arms. If they don’t seem ready for a hug, it’s best to step back.
Be friendly when hugging someone. Even if the other person is initiating the hug, help them feel safe and comfortable. Make it seem as if, at that moment, it’s just the two of you in the world.
Avoid hugging someone too tightly. The best way to gauge if you’re hugging too lightly or too tightly is to let the person hugging you guide how tightly they wish to be held. If they hug you lightly, hug them gently in return. If they hold you tightly, embrace them with the same intensity.
Hold the hug a little longer before letting go. A hug is a powerful way to communicate how much you care for someone. It can uplift both people and improve their mood. Ending the hug too quickly might leave both parties feeling awkward.
Consider when it’s appropriate to hug longer and more affectionately, especially if the person is feeling down or disappointed. If you feel comfortable, keep the embrace going until they gently pull away or relax their arms.
Advice
- Some women enjoy a tighter hug, so make sure to hold them firmly, but not too tightly!
- Smile and remain warm, sincere, and open if you’re about to hug someone you care about.
- Always smile. Smiling is a great way to show you care and that the hug isn’t just for convenience. Avoid a wide or over-exuberant grin; a natural smile with just a slight curve of your lips is perfect.
- It’s best to hug your partner for a few seconds longer than you would hug a friend.
- Unless you’ve hugged the person before, don’t just hug them without asking. Choose the right time and place to embrace someone wisely. You may feel quite awkward if someone catches you hugging your partner in public.
- When approaching someone to hug in any relationship, step a few paces away and open your arms.
- If you’re a man and want to hug your partner warmly, rest your head on their shoulder and kiss their neck lightly.
- When two men hug, they often give each other two pats on the back before letting go.
- Tip for the guys: girls particularly enjoy when you approach from behind, wrap your arms around their waist, and hold them tight (but not too tight!).
- Gently wrap your arms around her neck. If she’s taller, place your hands lower on her body, but tenderly rest your head against her chest. Be romantic, but not overly so.
- If you want to hug someone you care about, don’t hesitate! Just move towards them and gently wrap your arms around them and enjoy the peaceful embrace with your beloved.
- If you want to look into their eyes while hugging, softly wrap your arms around their neck. Don’t pull too tightly, or you might cause discomfort.
- Never slide your hands into positions that might make the person being hugged uncomfortable (such as placing your hands too low).
Warning
- Avoid hugging someone if you're sweaty or have an unpleasant odor. Also, make sure your breath is fresh before getting physically close to someone.
- Don't hug unexpectedly unless the person knows you're about to do so. Otherwise, you might knock them over and cause them pain.
