Did you know that each way of hugging has a meaning?

There is a beautiful phrase by Edward Paul Abbey that says “I believe only in what I can touch, kiss or give a hug. The rest is just smoke.”. Hugging is an exceptional form of language, we know it. It is the art of affection contained in a gesture, in the most intense and beautiful, the one where two hearts are united and the bodies are sheltered, safe from fears and worries.

Hugging is a very important ritual in our daily lives. It is also a social symbol, however, as curious as it may be, does not always mean what we want, desire or dream.

In reality, we are dealing with a type of non-verbal language that is governed by the cultural norms of various societies. It can be a small oasis of complicity, a haven of peace or even a gesture of falsehood or deception.

In fact, if there is something that we have all experienced on more than one occasion, it is that not all hugs are comfortable for us. What’s more, although there are multiple studies that remind us of the great benefits of carrying out this gesture, there is a reverse that is not always talked about.

There are hugs that cause stress and threat. After all, we are dealing with a type of physical contact characterized by high intimacy. And that is a threshold that not everyone can cross…

Different ways to hug

The ways of hugging are defined by the perception of the person who receives it, the intention of the person who gives it and the feelings that overwhelm them in that act.

Thus, Several psychologists affirm that there are different ways to hug and they have designed a peculiar classification of them. In this case, we will present the most common ones and detail their influence on our body. These are:

1. Classic hugs

In this list we want to start at the beginning. And the beginning in this case takes us to the classic hug. Two people firmly surround each other with their arms, placing their heads side by side.. Actually, this hug is very intimate. The breasts are pressed together and the heads are very close. In addition, it usually lasts two or more seconds, so the ritual has a special charm.

I’m sure you’ve hugged like this at some point when saying goodbye to someone you love or when you meet them again. It doesn’t matter if that other person is your partner. In fact, In our daily lives we can carry out this gesture with our closest friends and family.

2. Dance hugs

As their name indicates, they are given to be associated with music. Usually, They lead one of the two people involved to hug the other by the neck (the arms are joined behind that part of our body).

The gazes are then caught in that unique universe inhabited by the most intimate complicity. As we can deduce, this type of hug can only occur as a couple and in situations marked by the veil of romanticism.

3. Visual hug

When a hug has eye contact, there is a special component. It’s simple, very intimate, with both people pressed in front of each other. But the space that remains between the two at chest height is replaced by the closeness of knowing and affectionate glances.

This type of gesture does not require a lot of physical contact. However, few acts are both so intense and comforting. Those looks provide affection and validation. The most sincere affection is revealed without the need for words to reach the other person, to capture them and convey the deepest appreciation.

This type of hug doesn’t only happen between couples. It is without a doubt the most beautiful thing we can offer our children.

4. Hug between colleagues

Another way of hugging is the one that occurs between colleagues, when they are two people without special trust or affinity. There is simply a pat on the back for a job well done. or due to the proximity of some specific event. However, the heads do not come together and the feelings are not very intense.

This type of social gesture does not require greater depth. It is a common and recurring ritual that has its implication, that is useful and helps us strengthen ties in our daily work environments.

5. Asymmetrical hugs

The asymmetric hug occurs between two people at different heights. In this case, The connotation is purely passionate and erotic. In fact, when it is used the most it is during an intimate and sexual act.

For example, this type of asymmetrical hug It usually occurs when one of the members of the couple is sitting on a surface and the other person is standing, He approaches to hug her and thus begin that moment of intimacy and pleasure.

6. Side hug

The side hug is another example of simplicity and closeness at the same time. This way of hugging occurs when you put your arm around another person’s shoulder. Its meanings are various. It can refer to a desire to comfort the other person, companionship, sympathy and affection, love, tenderness, warmth…

We have all done it at some point. They are gestures of great simplicity but that always comfort, that come in handy and at the same time serve us to strengthen those sensational ties with our friends.

7. Distant hugs

We pointed out at the beginning: there are hugs that are not comfortable, that are given simply for formality and that even pose a threat to us. In this case, when it comes to distant hugs, it can be said that they are highly common.

They occur when hugs lack intensity and are given with the bodies far away.. The waists are separated and the act occurs more out of commitment than out of true taste or pleasure.

They can be part of a protocol or motivated by a temporary truce after an intense confrontation. Finally, they could be the staging of a tense cordiality, and even a performance that seeks to appear to have affection that is not actually present.

8. Violent hugs

This is without a doubt the most uncomfortable and threatening gesture of all. We talk about a way of hugging that denotes great intensity, but not precisely because of loving passionbut for pure violence and aggressiveness.

It is usually very tight, lean. It could even cause pain to one of those involved.. They happen during a fight or to separate an individual from a fight, for example.

9. Protective hug

In this way of hugging One of the people stands with his back to the other, and the one behind wraps his arms around the person in front.; thus transmitting a signal of stability, trust and care.

According to experts, this type of hug means protection and represents a safe haven to where the person wants to go. In this case, the one located in the back is the one that represents the protector.

10. Hug with movement

It is very common in people who have a lot of appreciation for each other, but who haven’t seen each other for a long time. Furthermore, it is not usually exclusive between two people, since it is normal to see it in group hugs, and even when someone hugs their pet.

Another of its striking characteristics is that It is usually accompanied with affectionate phrasessince its duration is relatively long.

11. Hug around the waist

It is a very intimate and romantic type of hug, which is why it is usually quite common between couples. In this case, Both people wrap their arms around the other’s waist. firmly, while looking into each other’s eyes or kissing.

It usually conveys comfort, confidence and pleasure in those who do it.

12. Hug in the air

There is no doubt that this type of hugs It is related to passion, desire and romantic pleasure. It is a hug where one of the people surrounds the other’s neck with their arms, while their legs surround the hips of their companion. Therefore, this other is standing and holding the other party in his arms.

In this case, a strong emotional and physical connection is transmittedso it is common in those who are physically attracted to each other.

13. Unilateral hug

In this form of hugging, one of the two people surrounds the other’s torso with his or her arms, while the other remains still with his or her arms dropped. That is to say, The person who receives the hug does not resist, but neither does he return the gesture.

At first glance, it gives the impression of a forced hug. But, on some occasions, It can mean containment and emotional support without the hope of receiving anything in return.

Benefits of hugs

Finally, it is worth mentioning that It’s a shame that some ways of hugging don’t involve a symbol of love and affection.. That closeness that is felt towards another person through such intimate physical contact should perhaps never be violent or false.

However, although we may sometimes experience situations with this connotation, fortunately, Most of the time, hugs symbolize and create a space of intimacy and affection. in which we feel accompanied and comforted.

Therefore, a pure and loving hug can bring us a series of benefits, such as:

It makes us feel cared for and protected.It calms us in times of uncertaintygiving us security and confidence. It can give us vital strength in difficult times.Helps heal emotional wounds and conflicts.Elevates our mood.It strengthens our bonds and helps us feel loved.

Taking all this into account, let’s enjoy them daily and be generous with them: hugs heal, comfort and do not need words. Hugging is the language of the heart.

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