A 'seven second hug' takes you to level two – it's a sincere, genuine transaction of love and care. Level three is the 'run up hug' – a euphoric, outburst of affection.
And according to one study, it takes merely 7 seconds of a hug in order for your brain to signal the release of oxytocin — a hormone that is associated with, amongst other things, increased levels of trust, calmness and creativity.
Hugging for at least 10 seconds at a time releases oxytocin, a hormone which helps your body fight infections, boost your immune system and eases depression. Until recently, oxytocin was thought to only be a hormone released during childbirth and through breast feeding.
“I challenge you to hug them — and you have my permission to tackle them to the ground if they resist — and don't let go for eight seconds, eight times a day.”
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).
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.
The bear hug
The bear hug is probably the most genuine and meaningful hug. A real and tight hug is usually shared in moments of joy or excitement. A lot intimate, such a hug involves wrapping your arms around another person.
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.
Keep your hugs short and sweet.
When you're hugging your crush, the last thing you want is to make them feel smothered. Instead, limit yourself to a short, 3-second hug—that's how long most people hug for. As you and your crush get more comfortable with each other, you can always work up to longer hugs!
“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.
Hugging for just 10 seconds can increase feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which causes stress chemicals like cortisol to drop and help lower your blood pressure. A study by Dr. Jan Astrom shows giving or getting a hug has positive effects.
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. That is the exact amount of time the body needs to release the love hormones- oxytocin and dopamine.
Hugging causes the brain to release oxytocin, the hormone that increases human bonding. Here's why it's so important. The oxytocin released by hugging increases trust, loyalty and feelings of closeness, which is why physical contact in relationships is so important.
Flirty Hug
If you are at the onset of a relationship, this is the perfect way to express yourself without being bold. However, in an existing relationship, a flirty hug (which involves a little delicate touching) is a great way to keep the romance alive. If you do this often, you two are on the right track.
A romantic hug includes a lot of closeness and touching. This hug would include, not a pat on the back, but a rub. This may also be a lower touch than would be appropriate for a platonic friendship. Also, during a romantic hug, your faces usually press together.
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. When a guy hugs you for more than 5 seconds, it is an indication that he is looking for comfort and you're the one he trusts the most to provide it to him.
Make quick, casual contact.
Lean in, bending from your waist. The idea here is not full-body contact, which is a much more intimate and personal hug. Wrap one arm around her arm and place your hand in-between her shoulder blades. Wrap your other arm around her and place your hand below your first hand.
He's being affectionate.
Whether you're platonic pals or something more, he could just want to show you he cares about you—nothing more to it! A hug could be his way to show he likes you and wants you to feel special. Actually, studies indicate that the more hugs we get a day, the happier we are.
What does a half hug mean? Half hugs are not intimate. They are shared between friends and acquaintances. Most introverted and socially awkward people give half or side hugs.
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.”
Remember touch is essential and there is no substitution for a great big hug! 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”.
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.
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.
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. A quick distant hug or a sideways hug is mostly just polite and impersonal.