6 Different Types of Hugs And What They Actually Mean

We give out and enjoy hugs when we are happy, scared, excited, sad…or in love. It is an essential form of physical touch, a universal sign of comfort. SO much can be communicated through this form of physical touch: romance, security, emotional support or friendship.

The Tight Hug

A full-bodied embrace where you completely wrap your arms around someone you love. The extra squish highlights the closeness you feel with the person. It’s the type of hug that usually happens in emotional situations – when words are not enough – like welcoming someone home, or saying a final goodbye. It provides relaxation and emotional support.

hug

The Side Hug

We’re hugging: just standing side by side. This when your arms are wrapped around the waist or shoulder of the next person. Intimacy expert, Julian Colker says this hug means you’re not fully into it. It is more common for acquaintance-type relationships, or for people who are not very close.

The Bear Hug

It’s like a normal hug, but much tighter, closer and longer. It is deeply emotional, genuine and meaningful: so it’s perfect for close friends, family members and romantic partners. The full-bodied embrace fills you with warmth and relieves stress and anxiety. Relationship and intimacy coach Marla Mattenson, says this hug activates the parasympathetic nervous system, releasing us from out fight, flight or freeze mode. In short, this means you care…A LOT!

The Hug From Behind

This is a pleasant (only if it’s consensual) surprise hug that shows strong feelings of trust and love between family members and friends. In intimate relationships, it shows that two people are fond of each other: a little added neck nuzzle can mean even more. It is intimate, leaving you feel extremely cared for.

The Polite Hug

This is a friendly, traditional one where both people’s chests are facing each other. Typically, there is a space between our pelvises notes Mattenson. You give it to colleagues and acquaintances. This shows that you and the other person are not close. So if you’re getting this type of hug from your partner, perhaps it’s time to evaluate your relationship.

hug

One-sided / Ragdoll Hug

This is when one person is usually giving the hug, and the other is receiving it. The receiver stands limp, arms at the sides. It is often thought of as a forced or unwanted gesture. It is seen as cold and off-putting. However, it can also be emotionally supportive. Perhaps the receiver is merely shy or not comfortable with giving physical affection, but is open to receiving it from their sibling or close friend.

Hugs are great for your health! Again, as long as it is consensual. When we hug, touch or sit close to someone out oxytocin levels increase. Oxytocin is a chemical that is often called the cuddle hormone. It is associated with happiness and less stress.

Research has found that touch can reduce anxiety levels in people with low self-esteem. It can keep people from isolating themselves when reminded of their mortality. And even touching an inanimate object, like a teddy bear, can help reduce people’s fears about their existence.