7 Common Types Of Hugs & The Meaning Behind Each

A side hug is when two parties are hugging each other with their arms around either the waist or the shoulder of the other person. Usually they are standing side by side, one using the left arm and the other using the right.

What it means: “A side hug means you’re not fully in it,” says intimacy expert Julian Colker. This hug is more common in acquaintances than friends since it’s more approachable and appropriate for people who aren’t very close. Similar to words of encouragement, a side hug is almost like saying “You’ve got this!” without being fully heart to heart, explains relationship and intimacy coach Marla Mattenson.  

Illustration by Grace Lee

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. 

What it means: 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. 

Illustration by Grace Lee

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. 

What it means: According to Mattenson, this pose is bonding for couples because they can stay physically close while looking at the same view. Generally, the taller person in the relationship will be behind (similar to spooning, a common cuddling position). To give the “big spoon” a chance to be the “little spoon,” the shorter person can hug from behind. 

It can also be a great hug for parents to give to children. “It gives them that extra support behind their back that’s literally saying ‘I’ve got your back,'” Mattenson says. 

Illustration by Grace Lee

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. 

What it means: 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. 

Illustration by Grace Lee

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. 

What it means: 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. “This type of hug is so satiating on a physical, human level,” Mattenson says. Close friends, romantic partners, and family members can all appropriately engage in a bear hug. 

Illustration by Grace Lee

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. The giver (or supporter) is squeezing the other one tightly. 

What it means: 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. Overall, the one-sided hug is permission to just receive.

Illustration by Grace Lee

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. 

What it means: “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. 

Heart-to-heart hugs are also beneficial for people who don’t typically like hugging but want to appease a loved one who likes physical touch or has physical touch as a love language. “It’s more nourishing for both of you, even if you don’t really enjoy the physical touch aspect of it,” Colker says. 

Illustration by Grace Lee

The health benefits of hugging

There are both physical and mental benefits of hugging. According to integrative neurologist and mbg Collective member Ilene Ruhoy, M.D., Ph. D., hugging promotes emotional closeness between two people through the exchange of energy. 

“The act of hugging also releases oxytocin stored in the pituitary gland, which is often affectionately referred to as the ‘love hormone’ because it helps us bond with our newborns,” Ruhoy explains. “That feeling of love, familiarity, and fellowship is why we have the instinct to hug our children, our parents, and our friends.”

That release of oxytocin, along with serotonin, helps lower stress by de-escalating cortisol1 in the body. In this sense, hugging is an accessible and effective stress management tool. 

Physically, studies have linked hugging to a decrease in physical pain and an improvement in cardiovascular health3. “Hugging is one of the most unintentionally comprehensive practices you can do,” Mattenson says. “It’s so easy, and it doesn’t cost any money.” 

Summary

Hugging can promote emotional closeness between two people through the exchange of energy.  It has also been shown to reduce stress and manage physical pain.

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The takeaway

Hugging, even for those who aren’t traditionally drawn to physical touch, leads to benefits in overall health and well-being. Depending on the type of relationship you’re in, your comfort levels, and your intention, the right type of hug may vary. 

RELATED: 9 Cuddling Positions For Any Relationship

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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.

Image: Shutterstock

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 quick squeeze or 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

Image: Shutterstock

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.

Related: How To Build An Emotional Connection With Your Partner?

2.

The side hug

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The side hug or one-armed 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

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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

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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

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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. You may even give a hug around the neck. The hug provides much-needed warmth and emotional support to your romantic interest, and speaks of your incredible chemistry.

Related: 21 Clear Signs A Friend Likes You Romantically

6. The back hug

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A hug from behind 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 or quick nuzzle can express what a million words cannot.

7. The straddle hug

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A full-body close embrace with deep eye contact, the straddle hug is often shared between romantic partners. The hug highlights a good physical connection and mutual trust between the two people.

Did you know?

Humans are not the only creatures that hug. Animals such as lions, bears, penguins, keas, and giraffes also love hugging.

8. The London Bridge hug

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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

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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 head-on-shoulder hug

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This refers to a partner laying their head on their mate’s shoulder. It signifies a strong connection and affection between two people. It shows a successful relationship in which partners feel comfortable with each other. This hug can be followed by a cheek kiss or a forehead kiss.

11. Patting hug

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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

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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

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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

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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 a 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.

Related: Trust In Relationship: Why Is It Important And How To Build It?

15. The hug with twirling you around

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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

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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!

Trivia

Hugging is the quickest way to resolve fights. .Bonobos use hugging as a non-violent way to resolve small misunderstandings.

17 The ragdoll hug

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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.

Related: 35 Cute Ways To Show Love And Affection In A Relationship

18 Sloppy hug

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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

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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

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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.

Did you know?

National Hug Day is celebrated on January, 21st each year. The day encourages people to hug one another.

21 Flirty hug

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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

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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

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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. Snuggle up and feel the love. This type of hug signifies the loving and caring nature of your relationship.

24 Group hug

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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

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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.

1. What is an inappropriate hug?

A hug is considered improper when:

• The person feels uncomfortable
• The person doesn’t want to hug but is forced into the hug
• The hug involves a lot of body touching that is uncomfortable for the one being touched

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.

While some hugs are warm and friendly, others are intimate and romantic. The body language of people hugging each other can reveal a lot about the kind of relationship they share. For example, you may give a tight hug to a person you love, side hug to a friend, and a polite hug to a colleague. Although hugs have become a norm, you should be careful before hugging people because many people prefer their personal space and do not appreciate hugs. Knowing about different types of hugs will help you maintain respect in the relationship and avoid confusion.

Key Pointers

• A hug is a beautiful way to express love.
• A tight hug and a bear hug impart the message of joy, excitement, and love.
• The one-sided or ragdoll hug might give away some other intentions that you may learn by scrolling down.

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Embrace against war. The story of an entrepreneur from Izhevsk

In mid-March, a young resident of Izhevsk, Nikita Gorbunov, went out into the street with a poster “Hug me if you are against the war.” People approached him, some with hugs, some with displeasure. An hour later, Gorbunov was detained – on the basis of a complaint. A month later, the court sentenced him to a fine under the “discredit” article.

Nikita Gorbunov is 20 years old, he is an athlete, he is fond of triathlon. He also loves to craft and at the age of 16 he opened his own enterprise for the production of decorative interior items and cutting boards.

His story is in the film of the documentary project “Signs of Life”.

Gorbunov’s monologues

– I started to get interested in [politics] in 2018. Then there was a sharp decline, I somehow didn’t care, because I started doing boards, I had no time for it, I thought: I can’t do anything. So I never went to rallies, unfortunately. But still, I [followed] everything, I was subscribed to everyone.

It was scary to unfold the poster

Already on the way to Kirov Park ( where Gorbunov staged an action. – Note ) there was a feeling that everything, now something concretely will change in life. It was scary to unfold the poster. Then he turned around and stood up. For the first few minutes no one came up at all. I think: damn it, I’ll just be idle [wasted], no one will come up at all. And then, as the crowds just went, a lot of people came up, with small children, grandmothers came up. Cool. After a couple of [people who began to scold Gorbunov], there was tension. When the guard came up, started swearing at me and said that he would call the police, I was shaking. I thought: poster, I wonder if it’s shaking or not? [The policemen] wanted to seem nice, they asked: why are you doing this?

I posted a post, invited all the people to the trial. One guy I know from school wrote: “And what did you achieve with this? What did you want to show with this?” I didn’t want to answer him at all, but so many people answered and good ones at that. One guy wrote: “Nikita, just an inscription, but I hug you.”

Izhevsk, oh, this is where the Kalashnikov assault rifle is assembled. This association infuriates me

I have always wanted to live in Russia, I was quite happy with everything here. In principle, we are fine, I love Russia. But when the war began, it immediately became clear that there were much fewer prospects.

When someone asks where you’re from and they say – from Izhevsk, [they answer], oh, this is where the Kalashnikov assault rifle is assembled. This association infuriates me. Dubious association.

Unified State Examination I did not pass. There was a coronavirus, those who did not go anywhere could not pass the exam, pass the GVE. I left for Sochi for a month, returned, passed this exam – and that’s it, the free one flew. I just like the freedom, the fact that I don’t owe anything to anyone. I wanted to go to Sochi for a sports start, I wanted to go somewhere else. I cannot be in a constraining environment, I need freedom.

Go in for sports, not war

In the 10th grade I started making epoxy resin rings. Tired, I started making cutting boards. From the 10th grade I worked in the yard and for my parents in the garage. As such, I have had a workshop since September, the room is separate. I just got high, that is, it was cool.

Triathlon is about balance. When you do triathlon, you have to run well, and swim, and ride a bike. But also, to do triathlon, you need a lot of money to buy a bike for a million. And you also need a wife who will stand and clap. Triathlon is about balance. Go in for sports, not war.

Warm scenes from your favorite TV shows and movies: Movie hugs

Read time:
3 minutes

Publication date:
January 20, 2023

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On January 21, the world celebrates the Day of hugs – a gesture that can speak about feelings brighter than any words. And who among us does not like to look at the hugs of the characters for whom we are worried, as for relatives. Especially for the holiday, we have chosen series and films with scenes of hugs – not only romantic, but also friendly.

“Ghost”

Photo: still from the movie

Movie Search Rating: 8.2

One of the most popular scenes of the 1990 melodrama film with young Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze is dedicated to passionate hugs. Throughout the episode, in which Moore spins the vase on the potter’s wheel, and a ghost hugs her, the song Unchained Melody is performed by The Righteous Brothers (and not Elvis Presley, as many people think).

Cast: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn, Rick Aviles

“Mrs. Fletcher”

Photo: frame from the film and son into adulthood and realized that she remained all alone, it will be psychotherapeutic for everyone who is disappointed in the old values ​​​​and thinks about new ones. So the heroine Katherine Hahn invents an erotic alter ego for herself and thinks about how to indulge in all serious things, but unexpectedly meets her soulmate in a person who is most unlike her. The hugs of Yves and Julien are very touching and sweet, able to warm the hearts of the audience.

Cast: Katherine Hahn, Jackson White, Owen Teague, Jan Richards, Rashad Edwards 002 In one of the most sensual and romantic films by Jim Jarmusch, the main characters have been head over heels in love with each other for thousands of years – because they are vampires who live forever. Of course, the characters of Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston hug a lot, and Jarmusch shot one of the cutest scenes on the streets of Morocco, where his characters are trying to get fresh blood to survive.

Cast: Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Anton Yelchin, Mia Wasikowska, Jeffrey Wright 069 CP Rating: 8.0

In the remake of the famous drama by Ingmar Bergman, Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain expressed all the pain of parting spouses. And although the marriage of Mira and Jonathan is destroyed, and they will no longer be together, they keep their hugs and good relations – in fact, already on the poster you can see all their tenderness. According to the plot, Mira already has a lover, and Jonathan wants family comfort with children, which means that divorce is not far off.
And it turns out that he brings not only emotional, but also material difficulties.

Starring: Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaac, Nicole Bahari, Corey Stoll CP: 6.0

Today the whole world discusses the second season of the series about the rest of the rich in a hotel in Hawaii, after which they will no longer be able to return to their normal lives. Using the characteristics of the characters, the authors of the series speak out on various topical issues from racism to feminism. I would like to draw attention to the scene of friendly hugs between the heroines of Jennifer Coolidge and Natasha Rothwell: millionaire Tanya finds a true friend who can calm her down in the face of masseuse Belinda.