How to Hug Romantically: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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1The Frontal Hug

2The Front-to-Back Hug

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Co-authored byConnell Barrett

Last Updated: December 14, 2022Approved

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Hugging someone is a great way to show your affection. There are different types and levels of affection and the way you would hug a crying child is different from the way you would hug your best friend after winning a softball match. Hugging your partner romantically is also different and calls for specific touches. This wikiHow will give you some tips on how to hug someone more romantically.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

The Frontal Hug

  1. 1

    Position your arms to draw your torsos together. In a romantic hug, your torsos—your chests and stomachs—will touch. This is a wonderfully warm and intimate position that emphasizes closeness.[1]

    • Generally, the taller hugger puts their arms around the waist of the shorter person, while the shorter hugger puts their arms around the neck or shoulders of the taller person. The opposite can also happen, especially if there's a big height difference: the taller person places their arms around the other person's shoulders (and draws them into their chest), while the other person wraps their arms around the waist.
  2. 2

    Make head contact. Leaning your head on or against someone is a signal of intimacy. Move your head to the side as you lean in to give a romantic hug (in the US, most people will automatically move to their right.) Don't go too far to the side, though—you want your cheek to brush up against the other person's face. To add an extra romantic touch, nuzzle your head or even your face into the head/neck of the other person (or chest, if you're much shorter than the person you're hugging).[2]

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  3. 3

    Squeeze and hold. A romantic hug lasts longer than a platonic hug. Gently clutch a little tighter for two or three seconds. Take a deep breath and exhale; relax into the hug and enjoy it. Note that your squeeze should be strong enough to be noticeable, but not so tight that it prevents him or her from breathing normally. Causing your hugging partner to pass out from lack of oxygen is not considered romantic in most circles.[3]

  4. 4

    Use your hands. Rub one of your hands on their back or arm a few times. Or if your hand is by the person's head, gently stroke their hair, or the back of their neck. A slow caress is romantic. A brisk caress is comical, unless it's freezing outside and you're warming up your hugging partner.

  5. 5

    Let go slowly. As you pull away, keep your hands on the other person so you're still touching each other after you hug. This is a good time to look into each other's eyes, smile, and speak from the heart.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

The Front-to-Back Hug

  1. 1

    Come from behind. One way to enhance spontaneity is to surprise your love with a hug from behind. As long as they aren't doing anything too important, wrapping your arms around their waist, and resting your head against theirs can be a super sweet surprise.

  2. 2

    Stand behind the person you are going to hug. Press your torso up against the back person you are hugging, and wrap your arms around them. It doesn't matter so much if you are taller or shorter, other than where your hands will end up.

    • Generally, the taller hugger relaxes their upper arms, and reaches around to hug with their lower arms. The shorter hugger can hold their arms straight out, rather than bending at the elbow.
  3. 3

    Place your arms in front. You can "stack" one arm on top of the other, one arm in front of the other, or even reach up over the chest and hold the shoulders of the person you are hugging; it all depends on the size of your arms and the size of the hugged one where your arms are best placed.

  4. 4

    Make head contact. Like the front-facing hug, leaning your head on or against someone is a signal of intimacy. If you are as tall or taller than the hugged one, you can nuzzle their face or neck. If you are shorter, you can rest your head sideways on their back.

  5. 5

    Squeeze and hold. A romantic hug lasts longer than a platonic hug. Gently clutch a little tighter for two or three seconds. Take a deep breath and exhale; relax into the hug and enjoy it.

  6. 6

    Use your hands. For the person being hugged, caressing your huggers arms is a natural, lovely touch. You can also reach back and caress their face or hair. For the hugger, though, caressing can become fairly intimate without much effort. If you're at that level with the person you are hugging, this is a delightful way to begin intimacies. If not, proceed with caution. It can result in the ice being broken, or your nose being broken. A slow caress is romantic.

  7. 7

    Rotate your hugged one around. Enjoy a front-facing hug as you enjoy the closeness of your partner. Should you need further direction, start at the top of the page again. Enjoy!

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  • Question

    What does it mean if a guy hugs you tight?

    How to Hug Romantically: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (15)

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    A tight hug is usually a sign of affection! If it makes you uncomfortable, though, don’t be afraid to tell him to stop or ease off a bit.

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    What’s the best way to hug someone a lot shorter than you?

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    You’ll probably need to bend down a bit to make it comfortable for them. Reach down to wrap your arms around their upper back. You can also try resting your chin lightly on top of their head.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question

    How do I hug someone much taller than me?

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    You can try standing up on your tiptoes and reaching up to them. If the height difference is too much, though, you can always wrap your arms around their waist and lay your head on their chest.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Tips

    • A hug brings someone up close and personal, so keep body odor at bay. At the same time, remember that perfume, cologne and breath mints can all make a romantic hug more enjoyable when used lightly. Nothing can draw you out of the moment more than an unpleasant odor emanating from you or your partner, and this can include overpowering perfume.

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    • Hugging is like dancing or kissing; it's interactive. You feed off the energy of the other person, and you can't force a response.

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    • Do everything slowly. Quick grab-and-grins are for people you don't know or family members you don't particularly like; slower hugs are meant for someone whose presence you want to savor. Also, because a romantic hug is such an intimate interaction, you'll want to give the other person plenty of time to stop you if he or she feels uncomfortable. Don't move at a glacial pace, but do lean in slowly enough that the other person can know what you're doing.

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    Warnings

    • Not everyone enjoys hugging, even in a romantic relationship. It's important to communicate openly if you feel your hugging gesture has been rebuffed and to accept it if you discover that your partner really doesn't like being hugged.

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    • Ask them if you can hug them if the relationship just started or if you are trying to get to know them.

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    • Don't hug someone without permission, even if you're in a relationship.

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    About This Article

    How to Hug Romantically: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (36)

    Co-authored by:

    Dating Coach

    This article was co-authored by Connell Barrett. Connell Barrett is a Relationship Expert and the Founder and Executive Coach of Dating Transformation, his own relationship consulting business founded in 2017 and based out of New York City. Connell advises clients based on his A.C.E. Dating System: Authenticity, Clarity, and Expressiveness. He is also a dating coach with the dating app The League. His work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, The Oprah Magazine, and Today. This article has been viewed 2,543,334 times.

    8 votes - 75%

    Co-authors: 110

    Updated: December 14, 2022

    Views:2,543,334

    Article SummaryX

    To hug romantically, wrap your arms around your partner's waist if you're taller than them, or wrap your arms around their neck if you're shorter. Then, when you're hugging, nuzzle your head into your partner's chest or neck to make the hug more intimate. You can also rub your hands on their arm or back a few times. When you're finished, let go slowly, and try looking into your partner's eyes for a moment. To learn how to romantically hug someone from behind, scroll down!

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    How to Hug Romantically: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

    FAQs

    Where do you touch a guy when hugging? ›

    Wrap one hand behind his back, just above his butt. Place the other hand around his neck so that your fingers rest where his neck meets his shoulder. Lightly grab onto the left side of his neck (his right side) with your left hand. If you're extra romantic, you can lightly tousle the back of his hair with your fingers.

    How do you hug romantically? ›

    In a romantic hug, your torsos—your chests and stomachs—will touch. This is a wonderfully warm and intimate position that emphasizes closeness. Generally, the taller hugger puts their arms around the waist of the shorter person, while the shorter hugger puts their arms around the neck or shoulders of the taller person.

    How do you make a hug flirty? ›

    How do you make a hug flirty? To hug romantically, wrap your arms around your partner's waist if you're taller than them, or wrap your arms around their neck if you're shorter. Then, when you're hugging, nuzzle your head into your partner's chest or neck to make the hug more intimate.

    How do you hug a girl step by step? ›

    1. Approach Her Gently. Resist the urge to dive in and hug her as quickly as possible. ...
    2. Decide How Long You're Going to Hold the Hug. The duration of your hug says a lot about what it means to you. ...
    3. Release. Pull back from the hugging position in one smooth move. ...
    4. Finish Off in a Cute Way. ...
    5. Learn About Different Hugging Positions.
    May 14, 2014

    What is an intimate hug? ›

    A close, full-body embrace, with eye contact--that's what an Intimate Hug is. The eye contact takes this type of hug to a new level, because it is clearly about more than just physical touch. If you are experiencing hugs like these, it means you really have something special going on.

    How do you touch a girl while hugging? ›

    Slowly rub your hands up and down her back and rub your bodies together. Don't be afraid to explore with your hands, but make sure that she's into it. If you know each other well enough, then you may be brave enough to go towards her butt. Squeeze a cheek gently but firmly, and then let go – just enough to tease her.

    What is an inappropriate hug? ›

    A hug is considered improper when: The person feels uncomfortable. The person doesn't want to hug but is forced into the hug. The hug involves a lot of body touching that is uncomfortable for the one being touched.

    How do you hug someone without being awkward? ›

    A guide to avoiding awkward hugs
    1. ONE: Hone your technique. A bear hug is not an appropriate social hug. ...
    2. TWO: Avoid the prolonged hug. ...
    3. THREE: Try not to ask first. ...
    4. FOUR: Choose your moment. ...
    5. FIVE: Consider your target. ...
    6. SIX: Hugs should be mutual. ...
    7. SEVEN: Not everyone relishes the hug. ...
    8. EIGHT: The unwanted hug.
    Jul 25, 2017

    How long should a hug last? ›

    The quick answer is about 3 seconds, according to a new study of the post-competition embraces of Olympic athletes.

    How do guys want to be hugged? ›

    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.

    How do you tell by a hug if a guy likes you? ›

    Generally, the lower the hands, the higher the physical attraction. If their arms encircle your waist and they press their hands against your lower back, that might be a romantic hug—especially if they draw your lower body in closer to theirs.

    How do you hug a guy to make him turn on? ›

    Wrap one hand behind his back, just above his butt. Place the other hand around his neck so that your fingers rest where his neck meets his shoulder. Lightly grab onto the left side of his neck (his right side) with your left hand. If you're extra romantic, you can lightly tousle the back of his hair with your fingers.

    What kind of hugs do guys like? ›

    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.

    What is the difference between a friendly hug and a romantic hug? ›

    Things You Should Know. 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.

    What is the most passionate hug? ›

    Straddle Hug

    This type of romantic hug is shared by people who trust each other and have a special significance in each other's life. This hug is physically, passionate and very intimate and is done in closed room, undisturbed. In this hug, a woman directly jumps into her man's arms and embraces his body.

    What are the best cuddling positions? ›

    There's no right or wrong way to cuddle, but these common cuddling positions can pave the way to an epic cuddling session.
    • The “half spoon” ...
    • The butt “cheek-to-cheek” ...
    • The “honeymoon hug” ...
    • The “sweetheart cradle” ...
    • The “leg hug” ...
    • The “butt pillow” ...
    • The “lap pillow” Share on Pinterest. ...
    • The “arm draper” Share on Pinterest.

    What happens when someone hugs you tight? ›

    When you hug often, your level of Oxytocin increases, which strengthens your social bonds. It can reduce anxiety and make you feel like you belong to someone and you are special to someone. It can release stress and allows you to feel better. Hugging also stimulates dopamine and serotonin production in the body.

    Can hugging someone make them love you? ›

    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.

    How do you hug someone and let them know you like them? ›

    A very light touch is obviously quite important here, or you're really going to send the wrong message about what you're trying to do to him. Lean your head in over his right shoulder (your left). Hold him in the hug for just a few seconds. Be proposed to.

    How do you tell if someone loves you with a hug? ›

    Pay close attention to where their hands go when they hug you. The lower they place their hands, the more in love they are with you. And if he goes to your waist and wraps his arms around it, well…that definitely is something a little more than friendly!

    How can I be more touchy with my crush? ›

    Casually touch their arm when you're talking.

    This is a classic flirting tip for a reason: Even if your crush isn't great at picking up on signals, they'll def notice a tiny bit of physical contact. It's juuust bold enough to grab their attention.

    What does it mean when a girl gives you a tight hug? ›

    Real and tight hug: The hug that means the most and has the most emotions behind it. It shows how much your partner cares about you and how much they miss you. It shows that the person loves being around you.

    Is hugging flirting? ›

    The importance of touch

    "The least flirtatious and romantic touches were the shoulder push, shoulder tap, and handshake. Thus, touching that is gentle and informal, and that occurs face-to-face or involves “hugging” behaviour, appears to convey the most relational intent."

    Can intimacy be a hug? ›

    Hugging is one of the most basic forms of intimacy within all types of relationships. It can be shared to celebrate joy or comfort sadness. Along with hugging, there are many other ways people can be intimate with one another.

    What does hugging mean to a guy? ›

    A long hug is a symbol that he cares for you and that he feels protective over you. It's more intimate than the side hug. Regardless of whether he's cuddling you or you are wrapped in his arms while he hugs you from behind, you can trust that a long hug means he has strong feelings for you.

    How do you touch while hugging? ›

    Be slow, gentle, and firm.

    Not too hard, or you'll hurt her. Slowly rub your hands up and down her back and rub your bodies together. Don't be afraid to explore with your hands, but make sure that she's into it. If you know each other well enough, then you may be brave enough to go towards her butt.

    How do guys like to be hugged? ›

    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.

    Where should I touch to show affection? ›

    Rubbing your partner's back, or massaging them, can signal to them that you're there for them and that you love them. You can also rub their arm, their hand, or another part of the body. Just make sure you're communicating with your partner and making sure they are comfortable with it.

    How to touch a mans heart? ›

    5 Ways to Win a Man's Heart
    1. Notice what he does and compliment him. When men do things around the house there are two purposes: one is to fix the problem, the second is to impress you. ...
    2. Initiate sex. This can be a touchy subject. ...
    3. Support and encourage their purpose. ...
    4. Stand up for him. ...
    5. Brag about him.

    How do you hug without making it awkward? ›

    A guide to avoiding awkward hugs
    1. ONE: Hone your technique. A bear hug is not an appropriate social hug. ...
    2. TWO: Avoid the prolonged hug. ...
    3. THREE: Try not to ask first. ...
    4. FOUR: Choose your moment. ...
    5. FIVE: Consider your target. ...
    6. SIX: Hugs should be mutual. ...
    7. SEVEN: Not everyone relishes the hug. ...
    8. EIGHT: The unwanted hug.
    Jul 25, 2017

    What do you release when you hug? ›

    “Sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” or “feel-good hormone,” oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland when we're physically affectionate, producing what some describe as warm fuzzies – feelings of connection, bonding, and trust,” said Paula S.

    What are the weak points of a man during romance? ›

    Read on to know guys weak spots to turn them on and make him feel like heaven. His nipples. Don't be surprised ladies, it's not just your nips that love the attention! ... The back of his neck.

    What physical touch do guys like? ›

    Any skin-to-skin contact will turn a guy on. Touch his cheeks, his forearms, the back of his wrists, his forehead, his bare knees, or even graze his lips with your hands.

    What are examples of intimate touching? ›

    Physical intimacy is about touch and closeness between bodies. In a romantic relationship, it might include holding hands, cuddling, kissing, and sex. Your relationship doesn't have to be sexual or romantic to have physical intimacy. A warm, tight hug is an example of physical intimacy with a friend.

    What are most men's love language? ›

    Men – especially those 45 and over – are much more likely than women to name physical touch as the top way they prefer to receive love. The third-ranked love language is words of affirmation; 19% of Americans choose this as their preferred way to receive love.

    How to make a man miss you? ›

    10 proven ways to make a guy miss you
    1. Deliberately leave things behind. ...
    2. Give him some personal space. ...
    3. Make him wait before replying his texts. ...
    4. Take things slow. ...
    5. Wear a unique perfume. ...
    6. Add some mystery to your experiences together. ...
    7. Have adventures with him (and your friends)
    Jan 18, 2018

    What do men like to hear? ›

    Among what men want to hear from women, positive comments about how handsome they look are one of the major compliments. If your man looks good, you should not hesitate to remind him of how handsome he looks.

    How do you romance a man deeply with your hand? ›

    Touch him often.

    Just touch him on his arm, the small of his back, or on his knee when you're sitting together, or give his hand a little squeeze from time to time. You don't have to go into major PDA mode (not a favorite for many guys) to show him that you care about him and that you love being around him.

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