Psychologia

  • BLOG
  • 16 TYPES
  • 4 TYPES
  • ENNEAGRAM
  • CBT How To
  • TESTS
  • NARCISSISM
You are here: Home / Body Language / Types of Hugs and Their Alternatives

Types of Hugs and Their Alternatives

The Way We Hug
Hugging is something we all do at some point in our lives: for some it is a daily greeting, while others reserve embraces for special occasions; but what does hugging tell us about body language and how many types of hug exist in the spectrum of human behavior?

The Importance Of Hugging

Despite often being discounted as a frivolous physical gesture, hugging is a fundamentally important part of human interaction and the act of clasping another human being in an embrace seems to have been around forever. Physical intimacy in the form of a hug has been documented since records began and we can see countless historical examples by glancing at artwork and sculptures from many centuries ago.

Types of Hugs and Their Alternatives in Body LanguageHugs are important displays of nonverbal communication and behavioral experts believe that hugging helps us form bonds and communities. Strong communities and interpersonal relationships help make us happier and healthier, so it’s no wonder that the hug is here to stay.

Types of Hugs

People from different countries, genders and ages use the act of hugging in different ways to show acceptance and form and reinforce human connections. Hugs are often coupled with kissing rituals. For example, in Italy it is customary to greet both strangers and old friends with a light hug and a kiss on either cheek.

There are countless types of hugs and people will often express a unique hugging style based on their personality and their relationship with the person they are embracing. In general, we can draw loose conclusions about certain types of hug. One major factor to look for is whether the body is held back or pressed against the other person. For most people, full body contact when hugging is reserved for very close friends, family and romantic partners.

What makes you the way you are? Take THIS TEST to find out »

Some psychologists believe that if a hug, be it tight or loose, is accompanied by a repeated pat on the back, then the person doing the patting is exhibiting signs of discomfort and wishes the embrace to end swiftly.

Types of Hugs and Their AlternativesHugs don’t need to be reserved for just two individuals; the act of group hugging is particularly prevalent in the sporting world and hugs between three people or a whole team can help to unify a group and provide a level of subconscious bonding that is not attainable from purely vocal interaction.

Alternatives to Hugging

Not everybody is comfortable being hugged or freely hugging others. Certain factors such as intimacy issues, body odor or reserved personality types can make hugging a less common activity among certain individuals.

There are many useful alternatives to hugging that are employed frequently across different cultures and societies. The handshake is perhaps the most common physical greeting aside from hugging. A brief but firm meeting of hands is less intimate than a hug but still serves the purpose of creating a physical connection with another person and displaying open body language.

High-Five: hug alternativeThe ‘high-five’ is another popular form of physical acknowledgment; often accompanied by a laugh or smile, giving a high-five can be just as beneficial as hugging when it comes to forming bonds.

ad ONLINE THERAPY THAT TRULY WORKS:
Online CBT Platform to Help Deal with Relationship Problems, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, and More. Includes professional follow-up by a CBT therapist. Click here to get started.

Related Posts:

  • Holding Hands in Body Language
  • Body Language of the Hands: Common Gestures and Their Meanings
  • Your Ideal Partner’s Height According to Dr Pawlowski
  • Infographic: Body Language of Men
  • Understanding Dominant Body Language

Tagged With: body language, relationships

NARCISSISTS
SOCIOPATHS
RELATIONSHIPS
INFOGRAPHICS

Am I Ready for a Relationship [QUIZ]

Am I Ready for a Relationship [QUIZ]

Living With Someone With OCD: How You Can Help

Living With Someone With OCD: How You Can Help

Infographic: Emotional Manipulation

Infographic: Psychological Manipulation

Fear of Intimacy Test: Are You Afraid of Getting Close?

Fear of Intimacy Test: Are You Afraid of Getting Close?

Avoidant Personality Disorder Test (AvPD)

What’s Your Personality Color?

What’s Your Personality Color?

How to Stop Ruminating at Night and Feel Rested Again

How to Stop Ruminating at Night and Feel Rested Again

The 3 Types of Employees Test: Team Players, Solo Players, Efficiency Experts

The 3 Types of Employees Test: Team Players, Solo Players, Efficiency Experts

Funny vs. Happy: 30 Comedians Who Had Major Depression

Why Am I Single Quiz: Single and Seeking Answers

Why Am I Single Quiz: Single and Seeking Answers

Argumentative Personality Test: Are You a Natural Debater?

Argumentative Personality Test: Are You a Natural Debater?

Abandonment Issues Quiz: Do You Struggle With Trust and Attachment?

Abandonment Issues Quiz: Do You Struggle With Trust and Attachment?

Crazy in Love: 4 Psychological Love Disorders

Crazy in Love: 4 Psychological Love Disorders

Raised by a Narcissistic Mother

Raised by a Narcissistic Mother

30 Fair Fighting Rules for Couples

30 Fair Fighting Rules for Couples

Job Burnout Quiz: Stress Arousal, Energy Conservation, Exhaustion

Job Burnout Quiz: Stress Arousal, Energy Conservation, Exhaustion

Blood Type Personality Traits in Asia

Pathological Liar: All You Need to Know (infographic)

Pathological Liar: All You Need to Know

Am I organized quiz

Am I Organized Quiz: Can You Find Your Car Keys on the First Try?

TEST: Are you a Doer or a Thinker? Action-taking vs. Planning

TEST: Are you a Doer or a Thinker? Action-taking vs. Planning

16 PERSONALITY TYPES

I II III IV
ESTP ESTJ ENFJ ENTJ
ISTP ISTJ INFJ INTJ
ESFP ESFJ ENFP ENTP
ISFP ISFJ INFP INTP

Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Affiliate Disclaimer · Contact · This website uses cookies -- Cookie Policy