Different Types of Hugs

A hug is defined as an affectionate embrace. We must keep in mind, however, that there is a big difference between a hug of compassion and a hug of passion. A caring, comfortable hug is nothing like a lover's hug.

A hug is almost always welcomed. Sometimes you will receive verbal permission from someone who wants a hug, such as a child entering school for the first time, or from an adult who did not get that last promotion. How about that teenager who did not get his driver's license the first time he tried?

If you sense someone doesn't like to be hugged, don't force it. Hugging is good for the hugger and the one being hugged.

Have You Been Hugged Today?

Have you been hugged today? If the answer is "No," then you have been touched deprived. Everybody needs to be hugged. Think of the child within us all who needs love, safety, support, care, and a warm touch. We, as adults, are reaching out for those same needs.

Dr. Leo Buscaglia, author of several books on the subject of love, is also considered the "Hug Doctor." He believes people should not be afraid of touching, feeling, or showing emotion. Hugging is a way of letting people know you care. You don't even have to be involved with someone or need to know someone personally in order to give a friendly hug to cheer up a person, to dispel loneliness, or to help a person overcome fears.

Hug Therapy

The Hug Therapist Book by Kathleen Keating illustrates through drawings and articles that hugging is an absolute necessity for our physical as well as our emotional well-being. Throughout the pages, hug therapy is depicted as the practice of administering hugs for the purpose of curing, healing, or preserving health. Hugging is the perfect and simple treatment for healing a hurt.

Keating says:

"Hugging is an instinct, a natural response to feelings of affection, compassion, need, and joy. Hugging is a science, a method of support, healing, and growth with immeasurable and remarkable results. Many people have learned that, in its highest form, hugging is also an art."

Hugging is beneficial for everyone, including the young, old, males, and females. It opens doors to feelings, and it makes us feel good. It eases tension and is a good exercise because hugging keeps arms and shoulder muscles in condition.

Types of Hugs

Bear hug: The traditional hug is the bear hug. Bodies touch in a powerful, strong squeeze that lasts five to ten seconds or more.

Cheek-to-cheek hug: This type is a tender, gentle hug often given to children, even though adults might also welcome this type.

Side-by-side hug: This type of hug is great for a joyful embrace while walking.

Holy Hug: People in church give this type of hug, which should be done quickly to greet one another or to comfort someone. The church is not the place for bear hugs, cheek-to-cheek hugs, or side-by-side hugs.

Before Giving a Hug

Wait for verbal or non-verbal permission before offering a hug. When approaching someone for a hug, there are several things you could say. Choose the one that is comfortable for you and the person you are hugging.

• "Give me a hug."
• "Let me give you a hug."
• "May I have a hug?"
• "Would you like to be hugged?"

The bottom line is that we all need hugs. So, have you been today?