How many times have you hugged someone in your life? They say a hug is like a handshake but of the heart, a conversation that needs no words, the universal form of connection that transcends languages. However, not all hugs are the same, and understanding how to hug appropriately at each level of relations is essential.
So, what is the best way to hug someone then? Knowing how to hug respectfully may strengthen your bonds with others. Whether it is a family member, a friend, a loved one, or an acquaintance, you must be mindful and alert of the present situation and their comfort level.
What does it Mean to Hug Someone?
A hug is a physical gesture that creates a range of emotional connections that express a wide scope of sentiments: affection, care, sympathy, and comfort. We express our emotions through physical touches, such as holding hands and patting our backs or heads. However, hugs are the best physical gesture due to the combination of comfort, connection, and emotional support.
Hugs are the universal love language that creates a sense of closeness and bonding, a fundamental human need. According to science, physical contact, like holding hands or hugging, creates a chain of chemical reactions within our body, such as releasing Oxytocin – also known as ‘love hormones’ – generates warmth and closeness. Even anxiety is no match to the comforting embrace and the soothing caresses on the back, triggering a relaxation response through the steady heart rate. In addition, numerous phrases are spoken without verbal communication; that is how powerful a hug can be.
How to Initiate a Hug?
It is common knowledge that not all 8.1 billion people know how to hug, nor are they enthusiastic about expressing affection through physical gestures. In actuality, a small percentage suffer from Haphephobia – a rare irrational fear of physical touch – and are unable to experience that sensation of a hug. Moreover, the cultural aspect must be considered before initiating any physical contact. Due to these circumstances, you must be thoughtful and respectful when approaching an individual for a simple hug.
Consider which type of hug you are initiating: a long hug. A quick hug? Back hug? Heart to heart? You must observe the other person’s body language and act accordingly. Are they nervous? Uncomfortable? Unsure? Are they avoiding eye contact? These aspects are essential before approaching them. For further clarity, taking verbal consent is another way – “Can I hug you?“ – if they look comfortable or consented, just approach with a friendly, gentle smile that would put them at ease.
Different Ways to Hug Someone
1. Hug an Acquaintance or a Guy
A colleague, a coworker, or the neighbours you greet with a fake smile – are all acquaintances. The relationship is either professional or just a friendly far-away wave. Then how to hug someone with such a distant relationship?
Hugs are not designed specifically to form deep connections. They can display signs of cooperation, or show your kindness to the people of your society. To hug an acquaintance, meet them eye to eye while approaching for a quick second hug just for a good gesture. An example is when a deal is sealed with a business partner, or at a professional dinner party where you interact with numerous individuals.
2. Hug your Crush
Everyone has a crush, whether it be your neighbours, someone at work, at school, or a simple barista at your local cafe. We all watch them from miles away, daydreaming about them with a silly smile on our faces. What if you get the chance to greet them? How would you ask for a hug?
Crushes come between a friend and an acquaintance. You are familiar with one another, yet there is no deeper connection. It depends on how you approach them and what level of intimacy you harbour for one another, especially if it is a female. Girls are delicate and sensitive, so one must move forward with gentleness. It can be awkward or uncomfortable hugging your crush, so simply holding hands with the girl would display your respect and thoughtfulness towards the current relationship status and your level of trust. Otherwise, a short hug would also do.
3. Hug your Friends
Friends are like family members. They know your secrets, your lifestyle, and your likes and dislikes. You can think of them as an encyclopaedia of your traits. You are most spontaneous and relaxed around your friends; your connection goes deeper than the Pacific Ocean. A hug is the best way to convey deep and important messages to them, even if you are verbally unable to speak your mind.
How to hug your close friends then? Well, you can approach them with numerous types of hugs, such as heart-to-heart, back hugs, or side hugs. In the end, they will understand just by this simple gesture. Hugging a friend is no maths problem, just smile widely, wrap your arms around them in a long, comforting hug, and do not hold back from holding onto them longer.
4. Hug a Family Member
Family members include your parents, your siblings, or your relatives. Those are people who have either watched you grow or vice versa. They are the closest to you as they watch you grow up and mature into the individual you are. They witnessed your prime and your lowest. Hugging your family is key to expressing gratitude for how much they have done for you.
When hugging them, it is best to include a pat on the back, a gentle squeeze or rocking slightly from side to side. Such gestures would add a personal touch to this physical connection. It is even brilliant if you follow up with some words of affection like “I missed you”, “I love you” or even “You’re the best.” Long, meaningful, heart-to-heart hugs beautifully convey the deep connection you share, making them a powerful way to express your affection.
5. Hug your Partner
Through thick and thin, your partner is with you. Your soulmate, your other half, your forever home. Someone who you spend your old age with, and remember the countless memories you created together. The physical affection and true love portrayed in this intimate relationship is beyond all relations.
How to hug your partner depends on the type of couple dynamics that exist between you. You may prefer hour-long hugs, with the comforting warmth of your partner, or short yet meaningful hugs before going to work, that you wish would last longer. Regardless, hugging your partner is an intimate and affectionate gesture that strengthens your emotional connection.
Conclusion
Knowing how to hug is essential as it is a physical gesture within our society. Whether in times of celebration, sorrow, grief, forgiveness, greetings or farewells, a hug is that non-verbal connection that will yell out every emotion you bottled up, without even creating a little sound. It is a powerful way to express emotions.
A thoughtful hug strengthens connections, provides comfort in tough times, and creates moments of warmth and intimacy. By being mindful of personal boundaries, reading body language, and showing genuine affection, how you hug can leave a lasting, positive impact on both you and the person you’re embracing.
FAQs
Science claims that a single hug can reduce stress, by slowing down our heart rates and regulating our blood pressure. It can also relieve pain by distracting us and improving our overall mood. Moreover, releasing Oxytocin through hugs helps reduce feelings of loneliness and increase feelings of trust and connection.
Conveying your message through hugging depends on the type of hug and the duration of the hug. Applying some gentle pressure can match the sentiment you wish to express. If your feelings are complex, conveying them verbally alongside the physical gesture is another way.
Cultural differences may dictate the duration, intensity and context of the hug, due to the contrasting norms and morals. The nature of your relationship, and the emotional state of the person you’re hugging, may affect the appropriateness of the gesture. Not to mention a hug out of the blue may be misinterpreted, so it is best to be mindful of all these factors before initiating a hug.
