6 types of hugs and what they mean (2024)

It's Valentine's Week's Hug Day, and we tell you every kind of hug there is.

6 types of hugs and what they mean (1)

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6 types of hugs and what they mean (2)

UPDATED: Feb 12, 2018 13:12 IST

Do them right, and you'll feel warm and fuzzy. But do them wrong, and you could have everything from major awkwardness to a slap in your face. Today is the second-last day of Valentine's Week 2018, and as we're sure you already know, it's called Hug Day.

The day is dedicated to the act of hugging, and those who believe in Valentine's Week (and Valentine's Day as well) are gearing up to share some long and loving hugs. Whether you believe in celebrating a day dedicated to hugs, or believe every day is worth sharing jaadu ki jhappi, you should know that there are a number of ways to hug.

Also Read: Your ultimate, practical guide to Valentine's Week 2018

A hug can convey a number of meanings. So, you should be aware of the message you are sending across while hugging. Here are the most common types of hugs, and what they mean.

Bear Hug

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It's tight, reassuring, and worth a million words. The Bear Hug is what people who love each other completely share. It's the sort of hug you've been getting from your parents--an embrace that relieves you of stress and anxiety. If you share this type of a hug with someone, it means things are pretty serious, and you have deep feelings for them.

Polite Hug

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This is the type of hug you usually share with acquaintances and colleagues. It's given sideways, with only a partial upper-body contact. The lower body never comes in contact, indicating some discomfort or awkwardness. If you are giving or getting this sort of a hug from your date, it means that there is some distance in the relationship.

One-Way Hug

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So, you are hugging someone with everything you've got, and the other person doesn't even lift an arm to put it around your shoulder? You've just been given the One-Way Hug. The lack of reciprocation you just got from the other person means that they're clearly not as into the relationship as you would like.

Intimate Hug

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A close, full-body embrace, with eye contact--that's what an Intimate Hug is. The eye contact takes this type of hug to a new level, because it is clearly about more than just physical touch. If you are experiencing hugs like these, it means you really have something special going on.

Also Read: 4 promises to make to your best friend, the real love of your life

Buddy Hug

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This sideways hug, with your arms over each other's shoulders or on the waist, suggests a level of comfort and trust that transcends your everyday romance. It means that you aren't just a couple, but also friends. If you usually sit or walk while sharing this type of hug, it means that your relationship is meant to last.

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Back Hug

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Another form of intimate hug, the Back Hug is a sign of both trust and protection. It's the sort that kids usually give their parents, and the parents reciprocate by carrying them around. If you are receiving a hug like this, it means someone literally has your back. And if you're giving it to someone, it means you are willing to protect them from anything.

Published By:

Shreya Goswami

Published On:

Feb 12, 2018

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6 types of hugs and what they mean (2024)
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