This article was co-authored by Imad Jbara and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Imad Jbara is a Dating Coach for NYC Wingwoman LLC, a relationship coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Imad services 100+ clients, men and women, to improve their dating lives through authentic communication skills. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
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Hugs can be so ambiguous! If you received a hug from someone and you're wondering what it meant, we're here to help. We talked to romance and relationship experts to get the scoop on figuring out if a hug is romantic or platonic (some of the signs they shared are actually pretty surprising!). Keep reading to figure out what that hug really meant so you know how to move forward.
How to Tell if a Hug is Romantic
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.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow long is a romantic hug?Imad JbaraImad Jbara is a Dating Coach for NYC Wingwoman LLC, a relationship coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Imad services 100+ clients, men and women, to improve their dating lives through authentic communication skills. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Dating CoachThere isn't an exact time estimate, but romantic hugs definitely last a bit longer than your standard hug. -
QuestionCan you feel romance through a hug?Imad JbaraImad Jbara is a Dating Coach for NYC Wingwoman LLC, a relationship coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Imad services 100+ clients, men and women, to improve their dating lives through authentic communication skills. He has a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Dating CoachDefinitely! You can feel the immediate tension and chemistry in a romantic hug. -
QuestionAccording to these tips, the hugs I get from my friend are romantic. I'm only 12. What do I do, I've never dated a boy before?AsadandlonelyguyCommunity AnswerPossibly they don’t know it’s romantic, or they are always big huggers, or they possibly like you.
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Tips
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There are some benefits of hugging someone romantically when you’re dating or in a relationship. Hugging in an intimate way can increase your bond, since being in prolonged proximity to each other can sync your breathing, heart rates, and nervous systems.[18]Thanks
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Also, hugging your partner can be a nice form of non-sexual physical touch, so both of you know that you value each other and each other’s bodies for more than just sex.Thanks
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Don’t assume a particular meaning behind a hug if you don’t know for sure. Body language isn’t an exact science! Everyone has different comfort levels with their bodies and physical touch, and different people give different types of hugs. If you’re not sure and really need to know? Just ask the person if they ever think about you romantically.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201603/7-basic-rules-hugging
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
- ↑ Cher Gopman. Dating Coach. Expert Interview.17 May 2019.
- ↑ Laura Bilotta. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/types-of-hugs/
- ↑ https://time.com/5379586/people-hate-hugged-science/
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
- ↑ Cher Gopman. Dating Coach. Expert Interview.17 May 2019.
- ↑ Laura Bilotta. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 26 February 2020.
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
- ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/hugs.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201603/7-basic-rules-hugging
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2466/02.17.21.CP.1.13
- ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/hugs.html
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
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"He hugs me a lot and a lot. But I don't know the reason why hugs me, now I get it."