No matter where you are or what you are doing, sometimes you want to hug someone, tight and for a little longer than usual. It could be your best friend, your partner, your parents, or even that one colleague you secretly like. And that’s exactly why Hug Day feels so special.
Most people think Hug Day exists to extend the Valentine’s Week fun since it falls only a couple of days before February 14. However, it began in 1986, when Kevin Zaborney first introduced it in Michigan, USA. He noticed people seemed low-stressed and emotionally distant, and felt society needed a gentle push to express affection more openly. So, he believed that this Hug Day would definitely make a difference. However, we don’t even know the different types of hugs we give to our friends, family, and co-workers.
There is the tight, chest-crushing hug that says “I missed you.” There is the soft shoulder hug that feels safe. And then there’s the awkward hug where one person went in for a handshake, and the other went for a full embrace.
That’s why we have listed different types of hugs you didn’t know had names. We will also share Hug Day gift ideas that perfectly match the vibe.
Here are 6 Types of Hugs You Might Not Know
Every hug has a different meaning. Let’s discuss various types of hugs:
The Buddy Hug
A buddy hug, or the sideways hug, is one where your friend wraps his/her arm around you and holds you from behind and pats your back. It is called a Buddy Hug. Remember that this friend will always remain a friend of yours, and you might not expect anything more.
The Protector Hug
When someone hugs you from behind, with their two hands around your waist, it is called a Protector Hug. This person will always protect you. This is a symbol of immense trust in your relationship. It is written in The Guide to Reading Body Language, “By covering your back, he’s conveying that he wants to shelter you.”
The Courteous Hug
This is the most formal hug. It is when eyes hardly meet, and both attempt not to touch each other. This happens only when you hug the other person for the sake of it. You make sure that the touch is polite. There is also a sober smile on each other’s faces. This is the kind of hug that happens when siblings have fought, and they are forced to make up by their parents (Speaking from personal experience).
The Bear Hug
Have you ever met your partner after a long time? That meeting is more special than the first meeting. When you meet your loved one after a long time, you give a Bear Hug. You delightfully hold your partner tightly and have no intention to leave. It also indicates that you missed your partner a lot. The Bear Hug is considered the tightest hug.
This Valentine’s Day, expect plenty of Bear Hugs as partners reunite after months of lockdown.
The Awkward Hug
There will be times when you get an unexpected hug and not get excited about it. The person suddenly hugs you, and you don’t get very happy about it. This is called Awkward Hug, and they are pretty long. The other person will not like to leave you. Make sure you do not give or take this hug.
It can be a time for you to move up the ladder in the relationship, then go for an actual hug. If you know the person well, you can also try a courteous hug.
Or it could be the case, as mentioned earlier. One of you was expecting a handshake and the other a hug. The result was neither one’s hand poking into the other’s stomach, nor the other’s hands trying to wrap the former.
The Religious Hug
Though not quite your typical hug, it is also a type of hug. During Eid, when two people hug it out with big smiles on their faces, that is a hug that speaks of communal harmony and the peace of God. In this Hug, you embrace your brother/sister thrice or any number of your choice, shuffling on each instance between their left and right shoulders.
There are, in fact, plenty of hugs that come as and about. Don’t be afraid to hug your wife/husband when you need to.
Benefits of Hugging
- Reduces Stress Instantly: A hug helps your body relax by lowering stress hormones like cortisol. A short hug can also calm your mind, slow your breathing, and make you feel more at ease.
- Boosts Emotional Connection: Hugging strengthens the bonds we share with friends, family members, and partners. It releases oxytocin, often known as the “love hormone,” which helps you feel closer, safer, and more emotionally connected to the person you’re hugging.
- Improves Mood Naturally: A hug can instantly lift your mood. It promotes feelings of happiness and comfort, making you feel supported, even without a single word.
- Makes You Feel Less Lonely: Physical touch reminds you that you’re not alone. Regular hugs can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional reassurance, especially during stressful or emotionally heavy times.
Hug Day Gift Ideas
Though Hug Day is purely meant for the purpose of hugging your loved one, you can still gift them something creative. For example, you can buy a human-sized teddy bear that they can hug all day. You can also check a cardboard cutout of their favourite picture of you. A cardigan or shawl makes a great gift, perfect for hugging.
When you buy your Hug Day gifts online, check out the latest Valentine’s Day offers on GrabOn to enjoy exciting discounts. The gift will put a smile on your partner’s face and a huge savings smile on yours.
Now you know the 6 types of hugs and their meaning. This Valentine’s Day, be with your loved one and share a hug. Let them know that you are right here, by their side, with your arms around their body. Or give a hug to some random stranger and say, “Tu bahut mast kaam karta hai bhai.”
And if you and your friend/partner have some special hugs of your own (like special handshakes), then feel free to let us know in the comments.Goodbye and a happy Valentine’s Day in advance.
This article is a part of our series on Valentine’s Day.
