Greeting friends with a hug is a welcoming gesture we all appreciate receiving. Talking with friends recently, we discussed what a hug means between friends and in relationships. Does the type of hug you give or receive mean something? Maybe, yet if you don’t know about the different kinds of hugs before, we will help sort out hugs and their meaning.

Polite Hug  

A familiar hug happens at work (use caution) or among acquaintances. There is a fair amount of distance between you and the other person and just a few soft pats on the back. This one can appear awkward with the arms wide and firm. They can also hug you with one arm (sidearm hug), which means the same thing. Not really a genuine hug and sometimes can appear forced or obligated. Don’t feel offended or that you have to give a hug next time. A wave hi or a handshake will do. I know one person, in particular, that makes it too obvious. Therefore we don’t hug anymore, and that’s okay. If this is on a first date or the person you are interested in hugs you this way, you either have a long way to go before they are interested in you, or they may be just trying to figure out if dating you will work or not. If it’s at the end of the date, they may not be comfortable yet, or a nice way of saying, “this may be our last date,” hug.

Friendship Hug

A more genuine hug. When someone hugs you, it doesn’t feel awkward or strange, and it’s a friendly hug, with a possible pat on the back. It gives you a “glad we are friends” feeling, and you know it. This is the hug you get right after the “let’s just be friends” or “we can still be friends” conversation. If you receive this type of hug and don’t like it because you want more or think you two are in a different place, don’t take it personally. You have more work to do, or it’s an indication of what is about to happen. Welcome to the friend zone.

Squeeze Hug  

Also known as the “I miss you” hug, you receive this kind of hug from people you haven’t seen in a long time and are genuinely happy to see you. Think of your family or an old friend who misses you dearly and is also excited to see you. If you receive this hug from that special someone, you are in a good place. These hugs often make you feel good after and can start and end a good time with friends, family, or that special someone. 

Neckline Hug  

Also known as the “rest their head on your shoulder hug,” they feel comfortable and confident being with you. It’s as if the hug is suspended in time, and almost nothing in that moment matters. Can’t get any clearer that you two are in a good place.