Q&A for How to Give Good Hugs

Make your motion gradual. Placing your hands on the other person's shoulder helps as a buffer.

You are always allowed to decline a hug, and if done politely (by raising your hand, showing the palm, as a barrier, for example), no one will ever be annoyed with you. If the person knows you well enough to want to hug you, he must be able to understand that you don't like it.

Assuming you don't like him, there's nothing wrong with you hugging him. If she asks you about it, just tell her you only like him as a friend. She should understand.

Usually, the adult will acknowledge the hug before you, if so , wrap your arms around their shoulders and lightly place your head on their shoulder, looking away from the neck.

Just give him a platonic/friendly hug. Don't get too carried away. Hug him just the way you'd hug anyone else. Lean forward, without your chest or lower stomach touching him a lot, and wrap your hands around his chest/shoulders. It's simple.

Yes, you should. If his girlfriend does not let you hug him, she must be really possessive. Being controlling often shows that she is afraid of him leaving her for you.

Keep hugs brief and lean in from your hips, so your pelvises aren't touching during the hugs.

Practice with family members or close friends. If you mess up something, they won't be judgmental.

Just hug him as you would hug a family member. In a friendly way, I usually just put my arms slightly on their shoulders when I hug my friends.

Explain why it cannot happen again. Say you did not feel comfortable in the situation and ask him not to do it again politely. Also, let him know that if it happens again, you'll tell your mutual friends and ask them to stand between the two of you each time.

If someone doesn’t want to hug you, it doesn’t mean they’re mean. Maybe they feel differently about hugging than you do, so try instead to respect their boundaries just as much as your desire to be hugged. Hugging only feels good when the other person is involved, so you’re better off hugging someone who likes hugs. Some people find them uncomfortable, confining and even scary, so don't assume anything about someone not wanting to be hugged.