Hugging is a direct form of physical contact through which people express different emotions and feelings. Furthermore, the hug is present from birth and throughout the rest of life. Depending on the type of hug, it can express security, support, intimacy or affection. In addition, various studies show that a hug has different health benefits, including that it can secrete certain hormones that are associated with happiness and calm.
Undoubtedly, hugs are very common, but did you know that each type of hug has its own interpretation? In this Psychology-Online article we will list 12 types of hugs and their meaning. These data will help you better understand the intentions of the people who hug you and surround you.
What are the benefits of hugging
The hug has always been present in human interaction. We hug when we get excited, we are sad or when we want to feel the security that a certain loved one gives us. In fact, hugging is a universal and greatly comforting act.
Coupled with that, according to scientists, hugging has many other benefits, such as:
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Releases serotonin, which increases mood.
- Lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system.
- Increase self-esteem and personal safety.
- Promotes secure attachment.
- Relax your muscles.
- It makes people happier.
As you can see, there are many advantages and benefits that hugging provides. However, we recommend that you expand your knowledge by reading our article. Next, let’s look at the different types of hugs and their meaning:
classic hug
We will start with the most common type of hug of all: the classic one. In this case, the two people surround each other with both arms and place their heads next to each other.
It is a very intimate way of hugging, in which the bodies remain firmly attached. It usually lasts no more than 3 seconds and is generally used for goodbyes and reunions. Furthermore, the classic hug is widely used among family, friends and acquaintances.
friendly hug
This type of hug is characterized by uniting the chests of both people in the same place. Although the breasts touch, the pelvises remain far apart. Plus it’s a hug short, firm and fastso it is not related to any intention other than friendship.
protective hug
It is a very characteristic hug, since one of the people involved stands on his back. Then, the person behind wraps both arms around the person in front as a sign of stability, trust and care.
Basically, according to psychology, this type of hug means protection that one individual gives to another. In addition, it represents the safe haven where a person wants to go. Generally, the person who is located in the back is the one who represents the protector.
Hug on the shoulder
Hugging on the shoulder is a type of hug that is related to true friendship and camaraderie. In it, one of the huggers puts her arm over the shoulder of her/his partner as a symbol that she considers her friendship as solid and reliable.
It is common to see this type of hug between people who are lifelong friends.
Asymmetrical hug
This hug can be between two people of different heights or that they are on uneven surfaces, for example, one of them sitting and the other standing.
But what does the symmetrical type of hug mean? According to experts, it is a type of hug that has a certain sexual connotation and is closely related to intimacy and sexual pleasure. Therefore, it is very common among couples to have a certain attraction between them.
Hug with movement
Within the types of hugs, the moving hug is widely used among people who have a lot of appreciation, but they haven’t seen each other for a long time. Besides, It is not exclusive between two peoplesince it is normal to give this type of hug to a pet or, in the case of children, their favorite toy.
Another characteristic of the hug with movement is that it is usually accompanied by affectionate phrases, and that its duration is of medium to long intensity.
Hug around the waist
What does the waist hug mean? This type of hug is very intimate and romantic. It means that there is complete comfort, trust and pleasure between those who do it.
For the waist hug, both people hold each other firmly at waist or hip level, looking into each other’s eyes. It can even be the preamble to some passionate kisses or starting the sexual play.
Bear hug
This type of hug is also known as a tight hug. It is done standing up, and It looks like a classic hug., but it is closer and longer. One of the variants of the bear hug is when people lie down and hug each other for a long time.
The meaning of this hug has to do with security and calm. Likewise, it is related to the tranquility that babies feel in the womb, therefore, it is very satisfying on a physical and emotional level.
One-sided hug
It is a hug that quickly differentiates itself, since one of the two people receives the hug and the other remains with his arms down. That is, the person receiving the hug does not show strength and leaves his arms hanging on both sides.
At first glance, it looks like a forced hug. But in reality, this hug means give strong emotional supportsince affection is simply given without expecting anything in return.
violent hug
Although its name suggests that it is a rough or aggressive hug, it is really called that because the recipient of the hug feels uncomfortable receiving that show of affection. It is identified because one of the people marks the hug, but the other shows no intention of receiving it. In fact, she will probably try to pull away or end the hug as soon as possible.
Hug in the air
Without a doubt, this type of hug is linked to passion, desire and pleasure. It is a hug in which one of the people remains attached to the other’s chest, but part of their body is in the air and their legs surround the hip of the person leading the hug.
It is a hug that means a strong emotional and physical connectionso it is very common among those people who are physically attracted to each other.
Side hug
Within the types of hugs and their meaning, this hug is a wonderful example of the closeness and trust that exists between a group of people. It can occur between two or more individuals when the arm is placed over the shoulder, but the bodies remain sideways.
This hug means friendship and with the need to express affection and warmth.
If you liked this post about the types of hugs and their meaning, we recommend you read this article about .
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Garrido, E. (20121). What hugs contain. The ontological, chronological and cosmic-religious meaning of love from the thought of Bernhard Welte. http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/frcn/v54n158/v54n158a09.pdf
- Guerra Eslava, AL and Villareal Pinilla, NZ (2017). Business plan hugs with love hug therapy (undergraduate work). Cooperative University of Colombia, Arauca. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12494/17143
- Scheler, Max (2004). Essence and forms of sympathy. Buenos Aires: Losada.