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Step 1
Define your purpose. Giving a man to man hug is something that should not confuse emotions. A man to man hug should be for a reason that is celebratory among men. Things like getting engaged, having a child, watching your favorite sports team win, or if you haven't seen your buddy in a while. All of these are valid. You may feel that touching will be rejected and be interpreted as something more intimate.
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Step 2
Open your arms wide. Make it clear what your intention is. Don't sneak up on your friend and grab them. Not only is it a little weird, it might upset them. Face them, open your arms wide and slowly approach.
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Step 3
Cock your head to one side. It doesn't matter which side as long as it's explicit. Don't be wishy-washy on this, otherwise you'll end up banging heads.
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Step 4
Embrace. Wrap your arms around the other man. Talking through this moment about something might be helpful. Otherwise it might appear you are strangely grappling with emotion. "So good to see you!" Or, "congratulations!" This will help diffuse any awkwardness.
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Step 5
Pat the back. This is the man to man way of saying the hug is macho and not about making out. The more pats the better. This will keep the hug masculine the entire way through.
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Step 6
Move apart. Once you've felt the hug has carried on long enough, 2 to 3 seconds, move briskly apart. Be sure not to linger with the contact by sliding your arms down the other man's. This will only confuse the situation and seem insanely weird. Now that the hug is over, carry on with your business. No questions asked. The man to man hug is not a big deal, don't make it one!
