Psychologists in London claim they have cracked the code on the ideal embrace, saying hugs should last between five and 10 seconds. According to researchers at Goldsmiths university, longer hugs were found to provide an immediate pleasure boost compared to shorter ones (lasting just one second).
This 2 minutes is about connecting. This 2 minutes is about stopping during your busy day to acknowledge that each of you exist and that you care for one another. How many times have you gone the entire day without hugging your spouse?
Every hug and physical touch counts; however, hugs that last for 20 seconds or longer are the ones that can be the most powerful.
Thus, a great hug would be around five to ten seconds long for most people. However, there is also an upper limit to the duration of a pleasant hug. For most people, hugging can get awkward after some time, so make sure not to hug too long.
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They found that a longer hug — between five and 10 seconds — delivered a more positive impact compared to shorter ones. They also learned that arm positioning — whether crisscrossed, around the waist or over the shoulder — did not matter.
It all comes down to activities that boost oxytocin in the brain, he says. Kissing for at least 6 seconds or hugging for 20 seconds both trigger the release of oxytocin, which helps couples bond and feel trusting of each other.
When people hug for 20 seconds or more, the feel-good hormone oxytocin is released which creates a stronger bond and connection between the huggers. Oxytocin has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce stress.
Pressing your chest into his is considered a "heart to heart" hug. If you're the same height as him, you might rest your head on his shoulder. If you're shorter, turn so that you rest your cheek on his chest. If you're taller, try to lower your head so he can see you better and feel like he is in reach to kiss you.
Increased physical closeness (think: hip touching, using both arms to hug, etc) is also an indicator of romantic interest. "A hug is likely to be romantic rather than platonic if your bodies are pressed against one another," notes relationship coach Callisto Adams, Ph. D.
Heart-to-heart hug
A heart-to-heart hug is when two people embrace each other from the left part of their bodies so that their hearts touch first. This type of hug means intimacy and can mean friendly or romantic intimacy, basis your relationship with the person.
Length and timing. A quick squeeze is usually platonic. The longer the hug lasts, the more likely it is that they have romantic feelings for you. Take timing into account, too.
“When we did this second study, we talked to people,” she says. “They'd often say 'Oh yeah, the neck-waist feels a bit more intimate. '” In total, the results suggest the safest, most likely to be pleasant hug is one that's 5 to 10 seconds long with crisscrossed arms.
“The average length of a hug between two people is three seconds, but researchers have discovered something fantastic. When a hug lasts 20 seconds, there is a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. The reason is that a sincere hug produces a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the love hormone.
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.
Things You Should Know
A tight bear hug or a hug with back pats is usually friendly and platonic. If their arms are around your waist or they're hugging you from behind, the hug is romantic.
Keep your hands on the back of her waist if she intends to keep hers on your shoulders. Lean in closely and maybe even give a light kiss on her cheek or neck. Hug her tight and never be the first one to back away. Don't worry about it too much.
On its own, cuddling is unlikely to make you fall in love with someone. But, as noted above, because cuddling can cause your body to release certain hormones, like oxytocin, it can make you feel loved or bonded with someone that you're already falling for.
You can put both arms around his neck and keep one palm gently on the nape of his neck. If your arms are around his neck, run your fingers softly through the hair at the base of his neck. If your arms are around his torso, rub his back gently. A behind-the-back hug can also be a good way to hug a guy hello.
The 'Grasp On Waist' Hug
If you ask us, “what types of hugs do guys like the most, " here is your answer! This kind of intimate hug suggests that you share a very close bond with your partner where there is love, trust, and lots of romance. It is a beautiful way of spicing things between you and your partner.
A good way to tell if a guy wants to kiss you is to pay attention to where he's looking. If he's looking at your lips or staring into your eyes, he's probably thinking about kissing you. He may even comment on your lips while he's looking at them. If he compliments your lips, or your eyes, he's ready for the kiss.
Tight hugs have a positive impact on your body and your brain. Getting a hug from someone you love gives you a sense of familiarity and protection. A tight hug communicates friendship, warmth, acceptance, and appreciation. A long, firm hug makes your body produce more serotonin in your brain.
As author and family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth”.
18. The hug will linger for a while. A friendly hug usually lasts for about a few seconds. But when it comes to a romantic hug, it usually lasts a little longer – say at least for about 20 seconds.