Yes, you absolutely can "catch feelings" from a hug because physical touch, especially hugging, releases bonding hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, creating feelings of closeness, trust, and pleasure that can deepen emotional connection, particularly if there's already a spark or if the hug is prolonged and intimate. While a quick, casual hug might just feel friendly, a longer, tighter embrace releases more "feel-good" chemicals, making it easier to develop or strengthen romantic feelings, according to Quora users and Reddit users.
Short answer: Yes--hugs can contribute to falling in love by triggering biological, psychological, and social processes that increase attraction and attachment. They are rarely a sole cause but act as a powerful catalyst in the right context.
It may seem brief, but studies show that 20 seconds is enough to trigger the release of oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin, creating a noticeable shift in mood and connection. Be Present – During the hug, be fully present. Focus on the sensation of the hug and the physical closeness with your partner.
Not Sure If You're Falling in Love? Here's Exactly How to Know
So what is the 2-2-2 rule? Every 2 Weeks: Go on a date. Every 2 Months: Take a weekend away. Every 2 Years: Plan a getaway together.
There is a transfer of positive energy from one human to the other and we feel safer and supported. Taking the science even further, receiving a hug can boost the immune system, calm our body and regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, bring balance back to our nervous system and make us more patient.
The 20-second hug is exactly as explained on the proverbial tin. It's not just a light pat or a quick squeeze. It's wrapping your arms around someone and hugging for about 20 seconds or more. Research shows that long hugs help your body release feel-good hormones and can reduce blood pressure.
Eight powerful signs of attraction
This feeling is what we usually call chemistry between people, or "the spark"—a twinkle in the eye, a skipped heartbeat, or flushed cheeks that indicate two people are truly connecting. You know it when you feel it, but is there a scientific explanation for what we assume to be the chemistry between two people?
In plain language: Men often feel most loved by the women in their lives when their partners hug them, kiss them, smile at them, and explicitly offer gratitude, praise, and words of affection.
If the hug is only a short, light squeeze, it's probably just a friendly gesture. But if the person hugs you tightly, puts their arms around your waist, presses your lower bodies together, or holds on for a long time, there's a good chance the hug is romantic.
Did you know that hugging is scientifically proven to be good for your health? Virginia Satir, a world-renowned family therapist, is famous for saying “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
A hug at the waist is indeed one of the most romantic and intimate hugs! A hug at the waist brings one partner below the shoulders of the other, down and closer to the stomach during this embrace.
Oxytocin, the bonding hormone
Research shows that physical touch, such as hugging, increases oxytocin levels, which strengthens social bonds and fosters emotional security. Oxytocin also lowers blood pressure and heart rate, promoting relaxation.
If you suddenly have the energy of a squirrel on espresso, it's not just good coffee. This unexplained perkiness could be your body's way of letting you know someone is sending you love signals. You might find yourself bouncing off the walls, ready to take on the world, or run a marathon.
Examples of physical intimacy include holding hands, hugging, kissing, caressing and sexual activity.
12 telltale signs a man is emotionally attached to you
You can put your arms around her waist or higher up her back. The lower your hands go on her back, the more suggestive the hug is. This can be a very intimate hug.
1. Lack of Honesty. Often when we think of honesty, notably honesty in marital relationships, we think of a very tangible “where were you last night” kind of honesty. While this is obviously critically important, there are many other kinds of dishonesty that can destroy marriages.
Falling in love typically takes a few months. Love at first sight is likely an expression of strong lust or physical desire that transforms over time into romantic love for each other. There is no definitive time frame for falling in love, though about 3–4 months may be a rough average, according to limited research.