Hugging a girl is exciting and terrifying at the same time. If you're like most people, you're probably nervous and afraid you're not doing it right - so she knows you care, instead of feeling embarrassed or disgusted. Here's how to give a natural and intimate hug.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Method One: Give a Hug to a Girl You Like
Step 1. Wait for the right time
When you hug a girl, it's as important as the how, so choose a suitable time. Here are three examples:
- When you meet her. It is always nice to be greeted with a friendly hug (even if you would like to be more than a friend).
- During an emotional situation. If you're cheering on the same team that just won a big game, or if they're having a bad day, a hug can be a great way to let them know you're by their side.
- When you say goodbye. As well as the welcome hug, a farewell hug is a friendly and nice gesture.
Step 2. Find out if she would like to be hugged
Girls make it clear with their body language when they are available for physical contact. Based on how he stands or how he greets you, you can tell if he will gladly accept a hug.
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Signals that she is interested:
- Meet your gaze.
- Play with your hair when it's with you.
- His lips or feet are directed towards you.
- His tone of voice is animated and ringing when he talks to you.
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Signals that she is not interested:
- He doesn't look you in the eye.
- His body language is closed (legs crossed, arms folded, body turned away from you).
- His tone of voice is monotonous when he talks to you.
Step 3. Gently bring it closer
Resist the urge to jump in and hug her as fast as possible. Instead, take a deep breath and move at a speed that allows her to decide if she wants to hug you. Meet her gaze, come closer, then raise your arms and pull her towards you.
- If you've misinterpreted the signs and she doesn't want to be hugged, it's essential to give her a second to pull back before you look into her eyes. Otherwise she will feel obligated, and the situation will become awkward.
- On the plus side, slower movements are typically considered to be more romantic. So if she wants to be hugged, a gentle and slow approach will feel more intimate.
Step 4. Decide how long you will extend the hug
The duration of the hug will indicate a lot of how important it is to you. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- The longer the hug lasts, the more intimate it will be. Hugs longer than a few seconds are reserved for couples and close family members.
- Shorter hugs are more informal. An average farewell or welcome hug should last a second or two.
Step 5. Release
Pull away from the hug in one smooth motion. Typically, you will need to be the first to withdraw. Always finish a hug before it gets awkward.
If she starts to recoil or feel that she no longer responds to the hug, release her immediately. In case of an intimate moment (for example she is shaken and crying or you have just kissed) you can make an exception to this rule, and slowly withdraw
Step 6. Finish in a nice way
How you end a hug depends on the situation. If you really like this girl though, the end of a hug is your chance to do something adorable she'll remember. Try these scenarios:
- In the case of an informal welcome or farewell hug, say "I'm so happy to see you!" or "See you later!"
- For a hug that marks personal success, such as congratulations on an award, a job well done, a wedding, or other significant moment, you can say "Congratulations!"
- For a comforting hug, adjust to the situation. You can say "It's okay" or "I'm here".
- For a friendly hug, say the reason that caused the hug. "You are great!" or "What a victory!"
- If it's a more intimate hug, find the words that fit your situation yourself. Choose them well!
Step 7. Learn the different hugging positions
If you're still nervous, read these different hugging positions and visualize which one will work best in your particular situation:
- Slow dance: his arms will go around your neck and your arms under his. You can wrap your arms around her waist or higher on her back. The lower you put your arms, the more suggestive the hug will be. It can be a very intimate hug, use it with caution.
- Big Bear and Small Bear: His arms will go under yours, around your waist, while yours will go around your back. It's a friendlier hug that allows her to get closer to you and rest her head on your chest.
- One-Arm: This is the least romantic kind of hug - more a hug between friends. In this case, you will need to approach from the side and put your hand around her shoulders or neck, like an informal friendly hug.
- T-Rex: Both arms will be around the waist and lower back. This will allow you to rest your head on the other's shoulder. It's a friendly, less intimate hug.
- Cross: one arm from above and one from below form an "x" between your arms and hers. This is the ideal hug for a couple as it leaves enough room for a kiss.
- From Behind: This is a hug you should only give to a girl you know well, and unless you love scary surprises, let her know that you are about to hug her. It is a very intimate hug.
Method 2 of 2: Method Two: Hug a Friend
Step 1. Follow your instincts
While people traditionally showed up with a handshake, today many people hug each other from the first time they know each other.
- It often happens when a friend introduces you to a friend.
- Use your instincts, but the best rule to follow is never to deny a hug.
Step 2. Get in touch
Remember to keep physical contact short and light for a hug to a friend. If you prolong it too long, you may be sending ambiguous signals.
- Lean forward, bending your back. The idea is not to create contact with the whole body, which would make the hug more intimate and personal.
- Wrap one arm around his arms and place your hand between his shoulder blades.
- Hug her with your other hand as well and put your hand under the first.
Step 3. Hold briefly and then release
A second or two is the ideal length of a hug between friends. Release as soon as this interval has passed and resume normal conversation.
Advice
- Take care of your hygiene. Unless you've just finished playing with a girl (or another expensive physical activity), if your body or breath stinks, you won't make a good impression.
- Don't over tighten. Squeeze her firmly, but give her room to move.
- If you make a mistake, try to recover casually and don't worry. Using humor can turn off any awkward situation.
- If you know a girl very well, she might appreciate if you pick her up and spin her around. Be careful though: some girls don't like it, and they might take it!