How to Hug Romantically
Position your arms to draw your torsos together., Make head contact., Squeeze and hold., Use your hands., Let go slowly.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Position your arms to draw your torsos together.
In a romantic hug, your torsos—your chests and stomachs—will touch.
This is a wonderfully warm and intimate position that emphasizes closeness.
Generally, the taller hugger puts their arms around the waist of the shorter person, while the shorter hugger puts their arms around the neck or shoulders of the taller person.
The opposite can also happen, especially if there's a big height difference: the taller person places their arms around the other person's shoulders (and draws them into their chest), while the other person wraps their arms around the waist. -
Step 2: Make head contact.
Leaning your head on or against someone is a signal of intimacy.
Move your head to the side as you lean in to give a romantic hug (in the US, most people will automatically move to their right.) Don't go too far to the side, though—you want your cheek to brush up against the other person's face.
To add an extra romantic touch, nuzzle your head or even your face into the head/neck of the other person (or chest, if you're much shorter than the person you're hugging). , A romantic hug lasts longer than a platonic hug.
Gently clutch a little tighter for two or three seconds.
Take a deep breath and exhale; relax into the hug and enjoy it.
Note that your squeeze should be strong enough to be noticeable, but not so tight that it prevents him or her from breathing normally.
Causing your hugging partner to pass out from lack of oxygen is not considered romantic in most circles. , Rub one of your hands on their back or arm a few times.
Or if your hand is by the person's head, gently stroke their hair, or the back of their neck.
A slow caress is romantic.
A brisk caress is comical, unless it's freezing outside and you're warming up your hugging partner. , As you pull away, keep your hands on the other person so you're still touching each other after you hug.
This is a good time to look into each others eyes, smile, and speak from the heart. -
Step 3: Squeeze and hold.
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Step 4: Use your hands.
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Step 5: Let go slowly.
Detailed Guide
In a romantic hug, your torsos—your chests and stomachs—will touch.
This is a wonderfully warm and intimate position that emphasizes closeness.
Generally, the taller hugger puts their arms around the waist of the shorter person, while the shorter hugger puts their arms around the neck or shoulders of the taller person.
The opposite can also happen, especially if there's a big height difference: the taller person places their arms around the other person's shoulders (and draws them into their chest), while the other person wraps their arms around the waist.
Leaning your head on or against someone is a signal of intimacy.
Move your head to the side as you lean in to give a romantic hug (in the US, most people will automatically move to their right.) Don't go too far to the side, though—you want your cheek to brush up against the other person's face.
To add an extra romantic touch, nuzzle your head or even your face into the head/neck of the other person (or chest, if you're much shorter than the person you're hugging). , A romantic hug lasts longer than a platonic hug.
Gently clutch a little tighter for two or three seconds.
Take a deep breath and exhale; relax into the hug and enjoy it.
Note that your squeeze should be strong enough to be noticeable, but not so tight that it prevents him or her from breathing normally.
Causing your hugging partner to pass out from lack of oxygen is not considered romantic in most circles. , Rub one of your hands on their back or arm a few times.
Or if your hand is by the person's head, gently stroke their hair, or the back of their neck.
A slow caress is romantic.
A brisk caress is comical, unless it's freezing outside and you're warming up your hugging partner. , As you pull away, keep your hands on the other person so you're still touching each other after you hug.
This is a good time to look into each others eyes, smile, and speak from the heart.
About the Author
Nancy Jimenez
Writer and educator with a focus on practical organization knowledge.
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