If you're friends or friendly, on good terms and have an informal relationship with her, yes you can. She'll probably like being asked, it's kind of like asking do you want to be my friend? Just don't be needy or pushy about it…
If you're unsure of whether a hug is welcome, just ask. You don't have to make it weird—a simple, “Can I give you a hug?” will do. Sometimes a hug can change someone's day, and it only takes seconds. Hug your loved ones and friends more.
Use your instincts, but the best rule of thumb is that if you're offered a hug, go for it. If you want to initiate a hug, don't think too much about it, but pull back if your friend steps back.
Ask for a hug point-blank.
In the best-case scenario, your crush is interested and you can go in for that long-awaited hug without any mixed signals.
It's okay to ask if she is comfortable with it! Some friends just don't like hugs or they feel uncomfortable, so don't go ahead without asking.
If a guy initiates a hug goodbye, whether a partner or a friend, especially after you have been hanging out for a while, it means that he actually loved that time with you. The hug is a sign that he wants some affectionate, physical touch before parting ways.
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.
As a general rule, you should always try to hug a woman on the first date. In fact, you should initiate as much physicality as you are comfortable with. In any courtship, it's the job of the masculine to lead and the feminine to follow.
That depends a lot on what's comfortable for both of you. She might enjoy gentle caresses on her face and neck, or she might enjoy back rubs or having your arms around her waist. Experiment with different touches and ask what she likes or dislikes.
If your friend, family member or colleague looks very sad or has just received some bad news and you would like to comfort them, you could ask them if they would like a hug. If you are close to this person, they may appreciate the offer and take you up on it.
Being hugged uplifts our mood. If you are feeling isolated or are going through a rough time, a hug releases endorphins. Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers. These neurotransmitters increase our feelings of pleasure.
The side-by-side hug
They will wrap their arms around your waist or an arm around your arm. This means that they like you or they're comfortable around you. In fact, so much that they want to stay close to you wherever you guys go.
Slowly rub your hands up and down her back and rub your bodies together. Don't be afraid to explore with your hands, but make sure that she's into it. If you know each other well enough, then you may be brave enough to go towards her butt. Squeeze a cheek gently but firmly, and then let go – just enough to tease her.
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.
To add an extra romantic touch, nuzzle your head or even your face into the head/neck of the other person (or chest, if you're much shorter than the person you're hugging). Squeeze and hold. A romantic hug lasts longer than a platonic hug. Gently clutch a little tighter for two or three seconds.
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).
When someone wants to hug, they will approach you with their arms open and their torso facing you in preparation for the embrace. To avoid awkward hugging, you need to be prepared to go all in.
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.
#10 The side-by-side hug.
She will wrap her arms around your waist or an arm around your arm. This means she likes you or she's comfortable around you.