Pa-hug!

hug – (verb)
1. To clasp or hold closely, especially in the arms, as in affection; embrace.
2. To hold steadfastly to; cherish: He still hugs his outmoded beliefs.
3. To stay close to: a sailboat hugging the shore.
(noun)
1. A close, affectionate embrace.
2. A crushing embrace, as in wrestling.

Hugging is a form of non-verbal communication. Studies shows that hugging helps human survive, especially in infants. It is a way of giving and receiving support.

It is done between two or more people. It can be given one way or simultaneously reciprocated. People can do it lying , sitting down and/or, standing up. It can be done face-to-face, side-to-side, or it can be given from the back. Only your imagination limits your hugging style. Whatever the style, all parties involved get some benefits.

It’s gives a good and happy feeling making it sometimes addicting. Be careful of who and how you hug because it can trigger jealousy.

There are diffierent types of hugs. It is best to practice the right one on a given occasion to avoid certain social tensions.

Standing Hugs

The ‘Hello’ Hug

This is employed whenever good friends haven’t met for a long time. A tight squeeze is usually employed depending on the level of relationship. Male-to-Female and female-to-female hugs of this sort is usually accompanied with a peck on the cheek or a beso-beso. Male-to-male hugs of this type implies the deep relationship between the two. They are either brothers or bestfriends. This is usally shorter than when females are involved. Instead of a peck, mutual patting on the back is done. It’s the manly way to do it. Another tricky thing betwen male hugging is that one male should not appear more dominant than the other. A diagonal arm position is done to show this. Huggers must know which are goes up or down to avoid looking like windwills. General rule is that the right arms goes up and the left goes low to the waist.

The ‘Comforter’ Hug

This is employed in situation when one party is in need of comfort or support. The vulnerable party may hide their face in the bosom or shoulder of the hugger. This are usually long hugs. The embrace is release only when the huggee has been comforted.

Heart to Heart Hug
This is similar to the ‘hello’ hug except that this is usually reserved for lovers. The cheeks is usually held close to the partner’s neck or shoulder. Tight squeezing is done and the bodies are brought togther as close as possible. This hug is a prelude to a kiss…and maybe something else.

The Reverse Hug

It is best done with an element of surprise. The hugger approaches the hugge from behind wrapping the arms around the huggee’s waist.

The Dancefloor Hug

Done while teh dancing, the lady puts her arms around his man and the man’s arm around the lady’s waist. This is an intimate hug and should be practiced with caution otherwise it could end up with a slap on the face.

The Seated Hug

Just Good Friends

It’s as simple as putting one arm around a friend while you are seated. It may not be the best way to show you care but it can definitely lead to better ways.

The Twister
Both parties twist to face each other and give/receive the hug. Since this is quite uncomfortable, this hug don’t last that long.

The Seated Reverse Hug

Similar to the reverse hug except that it is done seated.

The ‘Ohmygoodness’ Hug

Why Ohmygoodness? The people involved are in the state of undress, that’s why. Let’s leave it at that.

The Tantric Sitting Hug

It’s a new age thing – sitting with your legs crossed around your partner’s waist, as close together as you can sit, lean your head on their shoulder, and breath slowly, deep inside… A spiritual experience, though usually very brief…

Lying Down Hug

This is usually reserved for intimate partners and the main varieties are the standard hug and the reverse. In this postion, limbs get squashed and it can be quite uncomfortable causing the partner to withdraw the limb. It shouldn’t be taken negatively.

There is also a hug not requiring physical contact. Online buddies get this most of the time. Inspite the lack of contact, it is still enjoyable. It conveys care and concern as all hugs do.

The Group Hug

Used with at least three huggers, this hug expresses mutual joy and love. Usually given at parties of some sort – the huggers grab each other’s waists and form a circle of happy hugging people.

The Sandwich Hug

This hug is meant for three huggers of different sizes, and is usually used with two parents, hugging a child between them. The huggee is facing one of the parents, and is receiving a surrounding sense of love from both their sides. Mainly useful for angry and/or jealous children.

The Pile

Usually used by children and football players (is there much of a difference?), this hug reflects a joy of victory and group spirit, but is usually performed with the huggers lying in a messy pile on and under each other.

So why blog about hugging? I heard the news on TV early today about a person giving free hugs and i thought it was a good idea. I decided to follow suit. Whether you’re giving or receiving hugs, you’ll benefit in a way anyway. So here goes…free hugs for everyone!