Hugs often happen at celebratory events like birthday parties, graduations, or when two people are reunited after a long absence (that may be the right time to give someone a nice hug).
If you are taller, the shorter person’s arms should be around your neck, and you should be embracing them around the waist. Keep them in that position for no more than a couple seconds, and let go as soon as they do. Look them in the eyes when you separate and continue the conversation naturally. [2] X Research source If you are shorter, put your arms behind the taller person’s neck and press your chest lightly against their chest. Let go as soon as they do. [3] X Research source Let your hug be warm and friendly, and don’t make it linger too long—think of the way you would hug your little sister.
Taller people: Close your eyes and think about how much you love your friend when hugging. Press as much as you feel without squishing your friend. Do not clap the person you’re hugging on the shoulders. Some people think you don’t like them if you do it that way. Shorter people: Embrace strongly, and clap each other on the top of your backs. If you’re having an emotional moment, hold the hug for a brief moment and do not clap each other’s backs.
Taller people: Carefully sliding both your hands down from their shoulders, put them on their waist and slide them around their lower back. Put your head on their shoulder and press them towards you for as long as you like. Shorter people: Extend your arms toward your partner and wrap them around their neck and shoulders. Lean as close as possible and press your torso against theirs. In situations of extreme intimacy, interlocking your leg in theirs is appropriate. If you want to, you can give them a small massage with your hands, and try to warm them. You can also lift them in the air and shift their weight towards you. When you separate, you can look into your lover’s eyes, smile genuinely and, if the situation is fitting, kiss them like you mean it.
Take into account the culture around hugging where the person is from. People on the West coast may be more open to hugging people they don’t know as well than people from the East coast.
