What are the different types of hugs and what do they mean. From side hugs to bear hugs, learn about the meanings and benefits of various hugging styles.

The Meaning Behind 7 Common Types Of Hugs

Hugging is a universal form of physical connection and affection. From a casual side hug to an intimate heart-to-heart embrace, each type of hug carries a distinct meaning and purpose. Understanding the subtleties of different hugging styles can provide valuable insights into the nature of our relationships and emotional states.

Side Hug

A side hug is when two people hug each other with their arms around either the waist or the shoulder, standing side by side. “A side hug means you’re not fully in it,” says intimacy expert Julian Colker. This hug is more common in acquaintances than friends, as it’s more approachable and appropriate for people who aren’t very close. “It’s almost like saying ‘You’ve got this!’ without being fully heart to heart,” explains relationship and intimacy coach Marla Mattenson.

Friend Hug

A friend hug is a traditional, two-armed hug where both people’s chests are touching. “Typically, we move our pelvises away from each other, not closer to each other,” Mattenson notes. The distance between the two pelvises provides extra space so nothing is misconstrued to be sexual or romantic. Generally, these hugs are quick, unless you haven’t seen each other for a long time, Mattenson adds.

Back Hug

Depending on how this hug is executed, it could indicate a romantic relationship or a parent-child relationship. In a romantic setting, one person usually stands behind the other, with the hugger’s front touching the other’s backside closely, and wraps their arms around the partner’s chest or torso. In a parent-child setting, the parent can squat down, wrap their arms around their child’s chest from behind, and gently rock the child side to side or just hold them. “It gives them that extra support behind their back that’s literally saying ‘I’ve got your back,'” Mattenson says.

Waist Hug

With this type of hug, both partners’ waists are completely aligned and their arms are wrapped around each other’s waists. In this position, they can lean back and look at each other in the eyes. “This is an intimate romantic hug, which provides an opening for someone to make the next move. They can take it into a more playful sexual realm, maybe start kissing or gazing into each other’s eyes,” Mattenson says.

Bear Hug

Bear hugs are most commonly done standing up. It’s like a normal hug but much closer, tighter, and usually more prolonged. Bear hugs can also be taken lying down, which Mattenson calls the “love blanket,” with one person lying on top of the other. According to Colker, the feeling of a bear hug is reminiscent of being in the womb, when we feel warm and secure. It also helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which gets us out of a fight, flight, or freeze mode.

One-Sided Hug

In a one-sided hug, both people are facing each other. One is usually receiving the hug while the other is giving it. The receiver is typically limp with their arms by their side, and the giver (or supporter) is squeezing the other one tightly. “Often thought of as a forced or unwanted hug, the one-sided hug may actually be emotionally supportive. It’s OK to crumble into your partner a little bit and have them support you when things are really challenging,” Colker says.

Heart-to-Heart Hug

In a heart-to-heart hug, both huggers approach the embrace with their left sides, so their hearts touch first. This can be done in a standing or seated position. When sitting, your arms and legs can be intertwined. Mattenson recommends holding it for three minutes or longer. “Most people unintentionally hug starting from the right side because it’s more protective and further away from the heart,” Mattenson explains. “When you go in from the left side, it’s intimate.” This is a great hug for couples who want to become intimate together.

The Health Benefits of Hugging

Hugging has both physical and mental benefits. According to research, hugging can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and boost the immune system. Hugs also release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of trust, empathy, and well-being. Whether it’s a casual side hug or an intimate heart-to-heart embrace, incorporating more hugging into our lives can have a positive impact on our overall health and relationships.