The hug is a direct form of physical contact through which people express different emotions and feelings. In addition, the hug is present from birth and throughout life. Depending on the type of hug, security, support, intimacy or affection can be expressed. In addition, various studies show that a hug has different health benefits, including, it can secrete certain hormones that are associated with happiness and calm.
Hugs are undoubtedly 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 to better understand the intentions of the people who hug you and surround you.
Index
- What are the benefits of hugging
- the classic hug
- the friendly hug
- protective hug
- shoulder hug
- The asymmetric hug
- The hug with movement
- The hug around the waist
- bear hug
- the one-sided hug
- the violent embrace
- The hug in the air
- the side hug
What are the benefits of hugging.
The hug has always been present in the interaction of the human being. We hug when we are excited, sad or when we want to feel the security that a certain loved one brings us. In fact, hugging is a universal act and one that greatly comforts.
Along with that, according to scientists, hugging has many other benefits, such as:
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- It releases serotonin, which increases mood.
- Lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system.
- Increases self-esteem and personal security.
- Promotes secure attachment.
- relax the muscles.
- It makes people happier.
As you can see, there are many advantages and benefits that the hug provides. However, we recommend you expand your knowledge by reading our article The power of a hug and its psychological benefits. Next, let's see the different types of hugs and their meaning:
The classic hug.
We will start with the most common type of hug of all: the classic. 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 form of embracing, in which the bodies remain firmly attached. It usually lasts no more than 3 seconds and is usually used for farewells and reunions. In addition, the classic hug is used a lot between family, friends and acquaintances.
The friendly hug.
This type of hug is characterized by the fact that it joins the breasts of the two people in the same place. Although the breasts touch, the pelvis stays apart. Also, it's a hug short, firm and fast, so it is not related to any intention other than friendship.
Protective hug.
It is a very characteristic hug, since one of the people involved is placed 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 the protection that one individual gives to the other. 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 by the shoulder.
Hugging on the shoulder is a type of hug that is related to true friendship and camaraderie. In it, one of the people hugging puts her arm over her partner's shoulder as a symbol that she considers her friendship as solid and trustworthy.
It is common to see this type of hug between people who are lifelong friends.
The asymmetric 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 hug type 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 some attraction to each other.
The hug with movement.
Within the types of hugs, the moving hug is widely used between people who appreciate each other, but they haven't seen each other for a long time.
On the other hand, not exclusive between two people, since it is normal to give this type of hug to a pet or, in the case of children, to their favorite toy.
Another of the characteristics of the hug with movement is that it is usually accompanied by affective phrases, and that its duration is of medium to long intensity.
The hug around the waist.
What does the hug around the waist mean? This type of hug is very intimate and romantic. It means that there is total comfort, trust and pleasure between those who perform it.
For the hug around the waist, both people hold each other firmly at the waist or hip level, looking into each other's eyes. It can even be the prelude to some passionate kisses or to start the sexual play.
The bear hug.
This type of hug is also known as the tight hug. It is done standing up, and looks like the 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 the safety 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.
The one-sided hug.
It is a hug that is quickly differentiated, since one of the two people receives the hug and the other remains with her arms down. That is to say, who receives the hug does not show strength and leaves the arms hanging at both sides.
At first glance, it looks like a forced hug. But actually, this hug means give strong emotional support, since affection is simply given without expecting anything in return.
The violent hug.
Although its name evokes 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, he may try to move away or end the hug as soon as possible.
The hug in the air.
Undoubtedly, this type of hug is linked to passion, desire and pleasure. It is a hug in which one of the people remains close to the chest of the other, but part of her body is in the air and her legs surround the hip of the person leading the hug.
It is a hug that means a strong emotional and physical connection, so it is very common among those who are physically attracted.
The side hug.
Within the types of hugs and their meaning, this hug is a wonderful example of the closeness and trust 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 other articles on body language such as What does a stare in the eye mean Y Types of non-verbal communication: definition and examples.
This article is merely informative, in 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.
If you want to read more articles similar to Types of hugs and their meaning, we recommend that you enter our category of Emotions.
Bibliography
- Garrido, E. (20121). What hugs contain. The ontological, chronological and cosmic-religious sense of love from the thought of Bernhard Welte. http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/frcn/v54n158/v54n158a09.pdf
- Slavic War, a. L. and Villarreal Pinilla, N. Z. (2017). Business plan hugs with love hug therapy (Undergraduate work). Cooperative University of Colombia, Arauca. Recovered from http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12494/17143
- Scheler, Max (2004). Essence and forms of sympathy. Buenos Aires: Losada.
