Hug from Behind: What It Means & How to React (2024)

Co-authored byImad Jbaraand Devin McSween

Last Updated: December 12, 2022Fact Checked

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   They want to protect you. When someone hugs you from behind, they wrap their arms around you to make you feel secure. This hug is often called the protector hug because it is such a warm, reassuring gesture. There might not be anything to protect you from, but your hugger still wants to wrap you up and promise to keep you safe.^[1]

   • Whether they’re a family member, friend, crush, or partner, your hugger might squeeze you extra tight to show you that they’re there to keep you secure.
   • Men tend to love the hug from behind because it triggers their hero instinct, or their desire to care for and be needed by their partner. If there’s a guy in your life who likes to hug from behind, lean into his protective arms to show that you appreciate him.
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   They love and care for you. A hug from behind envelopes you with the hugger’s warmth and affection, whether it’s romantic or platonic. Your significant other might surprise you with this hug when they’re feeling grateful for you. While still an intimate hug, a family member or friend might communicate their pure love for you with a short squeeze and pat on the back.^[2]

   • You’ll know that this hug means your hugger’s in love with you because they will cuddle you for a minute or longer and rock you from side to side. They’re telling you with their hug that there’s no one other than you for them.
   • You can hug your crush or partner from behind to show that you love them too! Whether you're shorter or taller than them, simply press your chest to their back and wrap your arms around their waist or torso. Deepen the hug by resting your head in the crook of their neck or against their back.

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   They’re feeling playful. The hug from behind can be quite sneaky, so a crush, date, or partner might surprise you with it when you least expect it. You might be washing the dishes when they stop you by wrapping their arms around you. They might playfully tease you that you should be paying attention to them instead of those pesky dishes.^[3]

   • You’ll know this hug means they want to joke and play because they’ll catch you with it when you don’t see it coming. You might be talking on the phone, folding laundry, or just walking around the house when they give you this hug.
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   They want you. Whether they’re a new relationship or a long-term partner, when they wrap their arms around you and press their body into yours, there’s no question that there’s something else on their mind. This gives them the perfect position to caress your body and kiss your neck. Don’t be surprised if this suggestive hug turns into something more!^[4]

   See Also

   Decode What These Different Types of Hugs Reveal About Your Relationship15 Different Types of Hugs and Their MeaningsWhy You Should Get (and Give) More Hugs14 Types Of Hugs And What They Mean

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   They trust you. You probably haven’t received a hug from behind by someone you don’t know well. This hug is deeply intimate and usually only shared between close friends and couples who are open and vulnerable with each other. When they give you this hug, they’re telling you that your bond is unbreakable and that you have each other’s backs for life.^[5]

   • Your hugger might show that they trust you by giving you a quick, tight squeeze and allowing you to lean deeper into their arms.
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   They want to comfort you. Sometimes a warm embrace is just what you need when you’re feeling down. If you’ve had a tough day, your friend or partner might envelop you in a hug from behind and squeeze to let you know that they’re there. As you melt into their arms, they quite literally have your back, which can help you feel like you’re facing your problem together.^[6]

   • In this comforting hug, your hugger will usually pat or rub your back to soothe and console you.
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   They miss you. Whether they were gone for weeks or just a day, your crush or partner will give you a hug from behind to tell you that they’re glad to be back. This hug is the perfect way to get in all the physical touch they were missing. Your bodies will probably do all the talking, as this extremely close and connected hug communicates everything you want to say.^[7]

   • If you haven’t seen your hugger in a while, they will typically give you a tight squeeze and hold the hug for longer than normal to soak up your presence.

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1. To tell if the hug is romantic, pay attention to their body language. You can usually tell that a hug is romantic because there is less space between you and the hugger. They will squeeze you tight and make full body contact by pressing their chest into your back and letting your bottom halves touch. Their hands will wrap around your waist to give them a better position to caress your arms and body. When the hug is romantic, your hugger won’t want to let go and will hold you for several long seconds.^[8]

   • Romantic hugs are generally warmer than platonic hugs. You will likely feel the love and affection radiating from your hugger.
   • If the hug is friendly, only your upper bodies meet. These hugs are usually very quick with minimal squeezing. An acquaintance or friend who you aren’t very close with might even hug you with only one arm.

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   If you’re receiving the hug from a romantic partner, melt into their arms. Whether they’re a crush, new relationship, or serious partner, deepen your connection by pushing into their body and wrapping your arms over theirs. To show your appreciation for the hug, caress their arms and lean your head against their chest or shoulders. Hold the hug for a several seconds to feel the warmth and comfort from your partner.^[9]

   • Your partner might spin you around so that they can give you a romantic, front facing hug. Wrap your arms around their neck or waist and squeeze them close to you. Rest your head on their chest and relax into their arms.
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   If you don’t want the hug, politely tell your hugger. It can feel uncomfortable to receive a hug from behind from someone you’re not close with or if you’re not in the mood. If you see the hug coming, you can tell them that you’d prefer to greet them with a handshake, a pat on the shoulder, or a wave hello. You can also dodge the hug by stepping back from them and angling your body away.^[10]

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