Celebrating the Power of Hugs - What's Your Favorite Type of Hug?

Magna-Carta

Magna-Carta

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Celebrating the Power of Hugs - What's Your Favourite Type of Hug, and Why? What Does it for You?

What has inspired this, you might ask? Well, someone I haven't seen for about 18 months started texting me for the past 3 days. This afternoon, I received a simple message that said, "Do you still give good hugs?"

It took me back to many years ago when I gave my cousin a hug. From that moment on, every time we met, she would approach me for a hug. At first, it felt a bit strange, but I always gave her a hug anyway. Eventually, she told me, "You give the best hugs."

This got me wondering, what exactly am I doing that's considered so good? I've never understood the point of a quick hug that lasts only a couple of seconds, but at the same time, I know it shouldn't linger too long to avoid any discomfort. So, I tend to give reasonably long hugs that adapt to the circumstances.

I suppose some might consider hugs to be more of a simple greeting. I tend to not use a hug as a simple greating though, as my hugs might possibly transition into an embrace. Are these two terms distinct, or can they be used interchangeably?

What makes "The Best Hugs" so special? Does the definition of a "Best Hug" change depending on the circumstances? When you receive "The Best Hugs," what do you feel? Is it a sense of security, reassurance, empathy, connection, comfort, calming, warmth, or affection? And how important is the body language of the other person during a hug? Or do you prefer to get it over with as quickly as possible?

Do you have any memorable hug moments that left a lasting impression?
 

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I've always love giving hugs to friends& family, during Covid, this wasn't possible,I really missed doing this
I asked my church friends if they wanted a hug,if they felt comfortable doing it. They all said' Yes, I've missed your weekly hugs ,now I feel better'. The hugs lasted a couple secs or longer depending on the person
It always makes me feel good as well
 
Magna-Carta said:
Celebrating the Power of Hugs - What's Your Favourite Type of Hug, and Why? What Does it for You?

What has inspired this, you might ask? Well, someone I haven't seen for about 18 months started texting me for the past 3 days. This afternoon, I received a simple message that said, "Do you still give good hugs?"

It took me back to many years ago when I gave my cousin a hug. From that moment on, every time we met, she would approach me for a hug. At first, it felt a bit strange, but I always gave her a hug anyway. Eventually, she told me, "You give the best hugs."

This got me wondering, what exactly am I doing that's considered so good? I've never understood the point of a quick hug that lasts only a couple of seconds, but at the same time, I know it shouldn't linger too long to avoid any discomfort. So, I tend to give reasonably long hugs that adapt to the circumstances.

I suppose some might consider my hugs to be more than a simple greeting, possibly transitioning into an embrace. Are these two terms distinct, or can they be used interchangeably?

What makes "The Best Hugs" so special? Does the definition of a "Best Hug" change depending on the circumstances? When you receive "The Best Hugs," what do you feel? Is it a sense of security, reassurance, empathy, connection, comfort, calming, warmth, or affection? And how important is the body language of the other person during a hug? Or do you prefer to get it over with as quickly as possible?

Do you have any memorable hug moments that left a lasting impression?
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You probably come across age genuine in your hugs. A good genuine hug is soothing.
 
I am a hugger, being Italian (most do) growing up we hugged each other when we left home and came home.People who know me understand and usually hug me first. I too missed hugs during COVID.I don't usually hug strangers unless they reach out first I know people have their preference on hugging.
 
I am a hugger, always have been, I enjoy hugs that show gratitude,
also extend warmth and genuine caring, so a variety of hugs I am
comfortable with and drawn to..

A 'best' hug is always the one that leaves my heart smiling, yes
those ones~

I have a memorable hug that left a lasting impression. Well more
than one memorable hug, but it was at birthday celebration for
a friend of many years, my friend and I knew it would be a last
hug, as he would be passing within that next year. The hug was
a spiritual, loving, thank you for our friendship hug. So lovely,
so special, so real~
 
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Magna-Carta said:
Celebrating the Power of Hugs - What's Your Favourite Type of Hug, and Why? What Does it for You?

What has inspired this, you might ask? Well, someone I haven't seen for about 18 months started texting me for the past 3 days. This afternoon, I received a simple message that said, "Do you still give good hugs?"

It took me back to many years ago when I gave my cousin a hug. From that moment on, every time we met, she would approach me for a hug. At first, it felt a bit strange, but I always gave her a hug anyway. Eventually, she told me, "You give the best hugs."

This got me wondering, what exactly am I doing that's considered so good? I've never understood the point of a quick hug that lasts only a couple of seconds, but at the same time, I know it shouldn't linger too long to avoid any discomfort. So, I tend to give reasonably long hugs that adapt to the circumstances.

I suppose some might consider my hugs to be more than a simple greeting, possibly transitioning into an embrace. Are these two terms distinct, or can they be used interchangeably?

What makes "The Best Hugs" so special? Does the definition of a "Best Hug" change depending on the circumstances? When you receive "The Best Hugs," what do you feel? Is it a sense of security, reassurance, empathy, connection, comfort, calming, warmth, or affection? And how important is the body language of the other person during a hug? Or do you prefer to get it over with as quickly as possible?

Do you have any memorable hug moments that left a lasting impression?
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My family have always been a kissing family. Love bear hugs with friends. Some people seem to find it difficult to share, I think it goes back to days when they were children and their parents didn't do it.
 
perplexed said:
I am a hugger, being Italian (most do) growing up we hugged each other when we left home and came home.People who know me understand and usually hug me first. I too missed hugs during COVID.I don't usually hug strangers unless they reach out first I know people have their preference on hugging.
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I don't hug strangers (or even acquaintances); actually I'm very standoffish with that sort of thing. But there was this one time, I was meeting an employee of my husband's, years ago, and she was just so sweet and she'd just hugged my husband, "hello."

He introduced me and she gave me the sweetest, warmest look and opened her arms a little and I couldn't help hugging her.

It was her, just one of those shiny people who draw others in, even standoffish others.
 
hearlady said:
You probably come across age genuine in your hugs. A good genuine hug is soothing.
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I'm not sure I would be able to pick up on what a none genuine hug might be if I received one. If I received a hug that seemed a bit lame, I would just be simply left with the thought of, “What the hell was that supposed to be?” I’m not sure whether that is the same thing though? :)
 
perplexed said:
I am a hugger, being Italian (most do) growing up we hugged each other when we left home and came home.People who know me understand and usually hug me first. I too missed hugs during COVID.I don't usually hug strangers unless they reach out first I know people have their preference on hugging.
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I've met a few French people here in the UK that kiss as a morning greeting where I work. They come over for some training, and all worked for the same company. I thought it best not to try it out myself, especially in a professionally environment. I think my handshake is pretty good; that’s as far as I will take it at work. One never knows when a kiss at work might get out of hand. :)
 
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Magna-Carta said:
I've met a few French people here in the UK that kiss as a morning greeting where I work
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When I worked in Geneva a lot of people did that, took a little getting used to but once I did I kind of liked it.
Magna-Carta said:
One never knows when a kiss at work might get out of hand
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That never happened to me... unfortunately.
 
Medusa said:
Attack hugs! The kind where I take the last few steps toward my husband or son at a light run and charge into a hug that bends them backwards a little bit. ❤️

I do usually try to give them a bit of warning by saying, "Attack Hug!" a sec or so before impact. ;)
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My mind wonders off to two people running at each other along the length of a beach for some reason. And in slow motion. :) Maybe both falling down upon impact, for comedic effect. I'm sure there must be a video on YouTube of that very thing.
 
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PeppermintPatty said:
Having social phobia, I probably give the worst hugs and to be brutally honest, I really don’t like being touched, so people wanting hugs from me is something I purposefully avoid .
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I must admit, it took a while for me to get my head around hugging. Based on some of my early life experiences, I think I too developed a social phobia, but then very slowly lost that phobia over time.
 
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Magna-Carta said:
I must admit, it took a while for me to get my head around hugging. Based on some of my early life experiences, I think I too developed a social phobia, but then very slowly lost that phobia.
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Maybe I’ll get dementia and forget I’ve got this phobia. Not sure whether to laugh or cry about that. 😝lol. Thanks for sharing that. Not too many people admit to it.
 
A favourite hug of mine to give is from behind. However, you have to pick the right moment. Slowly approach the woman you love in a public environment, in a way to make sure to let them know you are there. Then, gently put your arms around them for a hug, and eventually an embrace.

It's generally a good idea, especially at night, to be very aware of the people in the area beforehand, such as at a party or similar gathering. It can be surprising how, in the dark, people with similar clothing and stature may look the same from behind. However, I won't go into the details of that.
 
I’m a hugger. I’d rather hug than shake hands.

I don’t like tepid, loose hugs. Or one armed hugs. Or hugs where we connect at the upper chest but nowhere else. Or hugs that last .02 seconds.

If you’re gonna hug me, then HUG ME!! Do it like you mean it!! Put your all into it! Make it last!

My boys give THE BEST hugs! I’m tall for a woman, but they’re bigger and stronger and their hugs feel so substantial and like I could stay there forever!!! They also always smell good and that’s an added bonus!

My kids tell me they learned how to hug from me, and it’s why their hugs feel so good because they just hug me and others the way I hug them!!

The hardest thing for me with Covid quarantine was not being able to hug and get hugs from my children. Even now it makes me teary to think of that deprivation!
 

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