A one-arm hug from a guy often signifies a platonic, friendly, or casual gesture, indicating comfort without deep intimacy, often used in greetings, goodbyes, or when someone is shorter/less familiar, but context is key; it can mean support or friendship, but also slight distance or fulfilling social norms without deep emotional investment.
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.
r/science - Researchers have tried to study what makes one hug better: Hugs that last five or ten seconds are rated as more pleasurable than a single-second squeeze. And a 'crisscross' style in which each hugger places one arm over the other hugger's shoulder is the preferred form of hugging, especially in men.
Duration: romantic hugs are usually longer (a few seconds longer than a quick social squeeze). Platonic hugs are often brief and neutral. Intimacy of contact: romantic hugs often include chest-to-chest or full-body wrapping; platonic hugs tend to be shoulder-to-shoulder or side hugs with limited torso contact.
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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.
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.
The 20-second hug rule suggests that holding someone in a hug for about 20 seconds triggers significant therapeutic benefits, primarily the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone," which reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, fosters bonding, and promotes feelings of safety and well-being, unlike shorter, fleeting hugs. This extended touch allows the nervous system to fully respond, activating pressure receptors that calm the brain, making it a simple yet powerful tool for emotional regulation and connection.
Unwelcome hugs that include other unwelcome behaviors, such as massaging, patting, kissing, and ear whispering, would also be more severe than an unwelcome hug without those additional elements. “Unwelcome” refers to the receiver of the hug not being okay with the hug.
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The "4 8 12 hug rule," popularized by family therapist Virginia Satir, suggests humans need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 for maintenance, and 12 for growth, emphasizing the physiological and psychological benefits of touch, like stress reduction and oxytocin release, though studies suggest hug length (around 20 seconds) matters more than just the number.
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. Big bear and little bear.
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.
A side hug is a display of affection in which a person hugs another by putting one arm around their shoulders or waist, rather than both arms around them. This can be useful for example when posing for a photograph, or if a full hug is considered too intimate for the situation.
Examples of physical intimacy include holding hands, hugging, kissing, caressing and sexual activity. Physical intimacy can often convey the real meaning or intention of an interaction in a way that accompanying speech cannot do.
Romantic hugs such as wrapping arms around the waist or a surprise hug from behind indicate trust and affection. Short or one arm hugs are more platonic. Often suggesting comfort without deep connection. Any hug lacking warmth or reciprocation may indicate discomfort.
Paul Zak and others have shown that hugs lasting 20 seconds or more stimulate the release of oxytocin, lower cortisol levels, and help regulate blood pressure and heart rate. These aren't just emotional perks—they're physiological anchors.
5: Our Own Needs, Emotions and Desires.
The highest level of intimacy, requires the greatest amount of trust in our relationship. It is only when we feel truly safe with somebody, that we become willing to share the deepest core of who we are. It's up close and personal.
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.
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.
A strong and healthy relationship is built on the three C's: Communication, Compromise and Commitment.
According to articles, the grab-on-the-waist hug is what guys like the most. This type of hug means you share a very close bond with your partner. It denotes trust, emotional and physical intimacy, love, and adoration.