Types of Romantic Hugs

Perhaps we are so obsessed with sex that we sometimes neglect to enjoy the little things – like kisses and hugs!  You may be able to describe several types of kisses.  But what about hugs?  Not just the friendly hug or the cold fish kind of hug.  We’re talking about romantic hugs – the kind of hugs your boyfriend gives you and that you give him.

Did you know that not only is hugging intimate and fun but there are also health benefits from hugging the one you love?  According to Healthline, hugging people you care about can actually reduce stress, boost your heart health, make you happier and perhaps even boost your immunity.

Hugging is a form of communication.  With a hug we can convey feelings of love, warmth, forgiveness, tenderness, support and attraction.  There are so many possibilities when it comes to hugging.  Have you tried all of the different variations?

Maybe it’s about time you add a few of these romantic moves into your daily and nightly routine.  You might find a hugging “position” that you and your partner like that you’ve never even thought of doing before.  Here are ten romantic hugs to try:

1. The Backwards Hug

This is a very protective hug, letting your partner feel wanted.  While it’s usually the big guy with strong arms doing this, a woman can also do it to a man.  Not only can you try it on him, but encourage him to put his arms around you from behind and lean his head against yours.  It’s a wonderful feeling of safeness and tender care.  You also have the choice to put your arms under his arms or over his shoulders and around his chest.

2. The Deep Stare Hug

Sometimes it’s not the touch that matters but how closely you connect during the embrace – such as with this deep stare hug combination.  Throw your arms around him and gaze into his eyes.  No retreat, no blinking or looking away in shyness.  Connect with him in soul as your hands draw him closer to you.

3. The Waist Hug

This is a very intimate hug and since you’re already in a committed relationship, don’t be afraid to be bold.  One arm goes around the waist and then holds your lover’s side from the opposite side.  It’s a very intimate feeling.

4. The Sexy Hug

Want to take your man to bed?  Give him a sexy hug, where you throw your arm around him and let your hand cup the back of his neck.  Bring him in for a close kiss while your other arm rests on his stomach or chest.  He can complement your move by letting his hand go lower than your back and take hold of your butt.  It’s a great hug to try out to get some of that passion back.

5. The Big Hug

This hug is not about sensuality but about an emotional hug where he takes you into his arms and gently caresses your back as he rests his chin on your shoulder.  You can complement him by rubbing the small of his back and turning your head sideways to give him more room.  While it’s usually the guy that does this move, a woman can also do it – especially if your boyfriend is feeling stressed or emotional.  It’s quite literally a “shoulder to cry on”.

6. The Lift Off Hug

This kind of hug is best performed by a man for obvious reasons (or unless you’re She-Ra) since he lifts you into the air and holds you there for a kiss and or a passionate embrace.  Even if he can’t lift you all Notebook style, the real point of this hug is the longevity.  Holds each other for longer than the usual 30 seconds.  Make it a full two minutes and feel the warmth of his gentle squeeze.  Bonus points if you can wrap your legs around him as he holds you in the air! If you like holding on that long, try it standing completely still with your breathing matched to his. That’s the tantric hug meaning, and it feels deeper than it sounds.

7. The Straddling Hug

This hug is ideal for a couple that wants the intimacy and excitement of the lift-off hug but can’t seem to keep that post going.  Instead, have your man sit down in a comfortable spot and then straddling him, with clothes on.  Wrap your hands around the back of his neck and look him in the eyes.  You can also do this pose while you’re sitting on something, like a table, counter or wall.

8. The Forehead Kiss Hug

Combine a firm embrace with a forehead kiss.  Have him kiss your forehead and gently tap you on the back.  Or you can do this move to him and substitute a forehead kiss for any kind of kiss, such as a neck kiss.

9. The Side Hug

The side hug may feel like a buddy hug but a lot of couples do it just as well.  He stays to your side but wraps one arm around your shoulder and the other arm reaching over and touching your forearm.  It’s a wide embrace and it lets you feel close, protected and adored.

10. The One Handed Hug

While it’s a more mellow hug it’s also cute in relationships.  Walk with your partner and wrap both your arms around one of his arms.  Hang onto him like you’re his shy girlfriend and let him lead the way.

Hugs should not feel like chores.  Don’t ever hug someone unless you mean it!  If your hugs have been feeling forced lately, stop hugging in the same routine sort of way.  Try a new hug with new movements and emotions.  Bond together through the gift of touch.  Feel with your arms and take in his essence when your bodies touch.  There is so much fun you could be having just being intimate with each other throughout the day, no sex required.

A family therapist named Virginia Satir said that we need four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs for maintenance and twelve hugs for growth.  Isn’t that interesting?  It’s safe to say we’re not hugging nearly enough!