A friendly hug brings your torso close to that of the other person. A flirty hug does that, but it also brings something else closer - usually your necks or your hips. It stimulates certain instinctive responses. In a subtle, biological way, it is an invitation to mate.
The importance of touch
"The least flirtatious and romantic touches were the shoulder push, shoulder tap, and handshake. Thus, touching that is gentle and informal, and that occurs face-to-face or involves “hugging” behaviour, appears to convey the most relational intent."
Oxytocin has a remarkable effect on the brain, quieting background noise and allowing people to tune in to each other, boosting bonding and feelings of attraction between partners.
It is an act or reaction, such as an expression of feelings (including close friendship, platonic love, romantic love or sexual attraction), between people. Examples of physical intimacy include being inside someone's personal space, holding hands, hugging, kissing, caressing and sexual activity.
Usually, when a guy hugs you with both arms, it means you are a source of comfort for him. A long hug, typically one that lasts for 5 seconds or longer, is a sign that he either has feelings for you or he really loves hugging you.
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.
Hugs are an essential form of physical touch that humans rely on from the moment they're born throughout the rest of their lives. Depending on the type hug, it can be a sign of romantic intimacy, security, emotional support, friendship, or love.
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.
Things You Should Know
A guy might hug you with both arms for lots of reasons, such as to say hello, to cheer you up, or to show you he's interested in you. Note the duration and intensity of the hug: a long, tight embrace may indicate deep, sincere care, while a brief, light hug may suggest only casual affection.
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.
Hugs release oxytocin
Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone,” and it's released when we cuddle or bond. It's the reason why being hugged feels so good. So when you're feeling down, give someone a squeeze and feel your mood lift.
Touching becomes flirting when it's done in a playful or affectionate manner. This could include a light touch on the arm during a joke, a playful nudge during a game, or a gentle touch on the hand while sharing a moment. The key here is that the touch is not aggressive or intrusive, but gentle and affectionate.
Women take a passive role, receiving attentions warmly but without taking on any risk of rejection or making a bad impression. Their flirting is limited to indulgences like prolonged eye-contact, and "other nonverbal behaviours" (think twirling your hair and pretending to laugh).
A person will flirt with another by speaking or behaving in such a way that suggests their desire to increase intimacy in their current relationship with that person. The approach may include communicating a sense of playfulness, irony, or by using double entendres.
Generally, a guy can initiate a hug for different reasons. For example, a guy can start a hug from behind to show he is into you. Also, he can start a hug because he cares about you. If he pats you on the back during an embrace, it means he is being friendly and not necessarily into you.
You could also observe their body language, which may indicate a desire for a hug if they come to you with open arms or lean to the side during a greeting. If your first date went well, you could start your second date with a warm hug.
Normalize hugs in your daily routine.
If your crush sees you giving out lots of hugs, they might be more comfortable and willing to hug you. Plus, hugging your crush will feel much more natural if you're used to hugging other people on a regular basis. Try hanging out with your crush and a group of friends.
The bear hug is a long, tight hug that signals intimacy.
In this hug, someone wraps their arms all the way around you and squeezes tightly.
And most likely we don't think much but just enjoy the feeling of being loved and given a chance to love them. Men think about how lucky they are to have the woman they are hugging, in their life. I love hugs!
Hugging often creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation. That's because of oxytocin, which is sometimes called the "cuddle hormone." Oxytocin is released when people or pets snuggle up or bond socially. This release can have a domino effect throughout the body and has been found to: Reduce inflammation.
“Sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” or “feel-good hormone,” oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland when we're physically affectionate, producing what some describe as warm fuzzies – feelings of connection, bonding, and trust,” said Paula S.
When someone gives you a Long hold hug, it shows that the person considers you as your best friend or someone they can lean on when life gets tough. When someone hugs you like this, it also shows that they need help.