Q&A for How to Hug

Body to body contact releases endorphins or "happy hormones".

Wait for the right moment. The shy person will prefer if you hug him or her when you're alone, because he/she could feel embarrassed with other people around.

Perhaps a cultural difference, or a personal preference. It can be awkward sometimes, especially when you don't expect it. Practice a few movements, such as putting an arm between you, or placing a hand on his chest to stop him hugging you next time. Remember, you have the right to stop anyone and everyone to touch you in any way without your permission. You can just tell him: "Hhey, no more of those hugs like last time, I didn't like it."

There isn't a 'correct' or 'incorrect' way to hug, as long as both people involved are comfortable. It should come naturally, especially if the two of your are comfortable with and generally affectionate with each other. If it's just a 'polite' hug, like with some relative you're greeting that you're not that close with, you don't need to squeeze them tightly or hold it for two seconds. If it's someone you're really close with, you can hold each other as long as you like. If you feel the other person letting go or feel like they're uncomfortable, let it go so it's not awkward.

Usually, a person will take a few steps toward you while looking you in the eyes. If you want to hug them, this is the time to extend your arms. If you don't want to hug them, this is the time to step back and avert your eyes.

We've got three options for you: the waist hug for a friend, the "extend arms upward and smile" for a crush (inviting them to bend over), and the "leap into your arms" for a real romantic warning. Make sure your partner is ready before you jump!

Put one arm on the other person's back or around their shoulders, then pause for a second. If they stiffen, look surprised, or turn away, take your arm away. Otherwise, go for the hug.

Can you reach out to family members? You can also make a plan to make friends by trying new things, reaching out to people you know and inviting them to hang out.

Just squat down and hug from that position. If you're the person sitting, reach up with your arms and ask for a hug.

Acknowledge that their problems are real ("That must be awful"; "I can't believe they did that to you"), and tell them it's not their fault ("No, you're not a bad person. You're a great friend."). Don't say you understand how it feels, or that they'll get over it.

You could keep the hugging for when the two of you are in private or just not around his friends, or just ignore them. Boys can be immature about stuff like that and they will often tease, you shouldn't let it bother you.

If it's a casual hug, just wrap your arms around the other person's arms or shoulders. If you're hugging your romantic partner, you could lift him or her into the air.

Try to trust her, know that nothing bad is going to happen if you hug her. I understand you don't like physical contact, you can't help it, it's who you are, but just try it, maybe it'll work.

It's even cuter if you're shorter. If you can't reach, then there's no other way to do it than wrapping your arms around his back, so that's fine.

Age is not a factor in hugging. If it is someone for whom you feel affection, give a big warm hug. If it someone you dislike or don't know very well, a one-armed pat on the back is fine. It's really whatever you're comfortable with or feel like offering at the time.

It is perfectly acceptable to thank someone for the offer of a hug, then tell you him or her you are not comfortable hugging strangers (or family). I hug strangers after getting their consent, but I would not be offended if you simply looked at me and said, "Thank you, and I'm going to pass on that today." Not everybody likes being touched, and that's OK. If you are trying to hand out hugs to strangers and get offended, or your feelings are hurt by a simple "no," then this is not the gig for you.

Hug them only for a short amount of time. It doesn't have to be too close, but it should be genuine.

You can ask your friend, or open your arms out to your friend and let him or her respond. Try this after an accomplishment, instead of a high-five.

Bend down and wrap your arms around for a light squeeze.

Hug him just normal, like you hug him usually. Then maybe say something like: "Just want to say that I'm happy you're there" or "you mean a lot to me" or just an "I love you". If you don't want to say anything, a simple smile says a lot too.

Just tell the person you need a hug!

Oh, goodness, just keep hugging. The (immature) people who are that bothered by your bones can evade your hugs if they don't want them.

You should just ask her if she would be comfortable with hugging. If she says no, then just wait until she hugs you first or ask again later on.

Things usually get awkward when we overthink them. I would simply say "I need a hug."

Talk to him, then open your arms to hug him when you say goodbye. He will likely come in to hug you back.

Hug around the waist, as this allows the other person to hug you around the neck.

The same as if she were a boy. Just go into it like you're hugging a friend; one of you will naturally go into a position around the neck and the other one will go around the waist. Don't force it; just see which your partner goes for and take the other spot.

To be honest, I don't think it's easy for anyone to know that every time. Try this article on knowing when it's okay to hug someone.

Yes, you can.

Ask that person if they'd be comfortable with you hugging them first. If not, just wait until they hug you or ask them again at a later time.