How to Give Great Hugs

Hugs show love and affection in ways words cannot match. Too many people engage in the bro hug where they slap each other's shoulders, the butt-out hug where although you're arms are locked, your torsos are seven feet apart. Here's how it's done right.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• This article.

1. When hugging someone, it's important to size them up. Do they have any injuries that might call for a gentle hug? Are they comfortable with personal contact, and do they really want this hug? Assuming they do, proceed to step two, but if not, then perhaps a handshake or a kiss is in order, please exercise your best judgment when deciding which one to give out to a particular person.

2. Step in right next to someone and then wrap your arms around them. place both arms around mid-back with one below the shoulder blades and one supporting the upper back and give a good, firm squeeze.

3. Hold the hug for 5 seconds unless you've been apart a long time, in which case there is no time limit. Squeeze your arms without squeezing them, and if you're hugging a woman be sure to accomodate her chest when calculating how tightly to embrace.

Tips & Warnings

• Give more hugs, as many as you can cram into your day. We're stingy with them, just like compliments, but who doesn't sincerely appreciate them both?
• Do not hug strangers unless they want you to.