If eyes are really the window to the soul then hugs are the language of the heart.
What a man says or does can say a lot about what he thinks, but nothing gives away what he’s feeling like the act of wrapping you up in his arms and holding on tight.
Here are just some of the things a hug can give away about a guy, good or bad.
1. Obligatory hugs are obvious as hell
This kind happens when you enter a room full of people and he hugs you only because he’s hugging everyone else, or when he offers a rough one as thanks for the fun you just had in his bed but doesn’t bother to give you a kiss. It’s awkward and you don’t know whether to hug back or just stand there motionless. A guy giving that kind of hug is making you a firm resident of the friend or friends with benefits zone, and he wants it to stay that way.
2. If he only hugs you behind closed doors, it could be a red flag
You deserve someone who has no problem showing you and his feelings for you to the world. When he’s only willing to hug you when no one is around, ask yourself why he doesn’t want to be seen being close to you in public. Maybe try to hug him in a group and see what happens. If he acts like he’s been touched by the plague, he doesn’t want what you want.
3. Quickies don’t only refer to sex – They happen with hugs too
Some hugs are so fast, you blink and wonder if you imagined it or if it really happened. These hugs show that he’s either not interested or so nervous that he’s scared to hold on too long. It may get better with time but if you think he’s into you and is just too scared to say it, bring it up and see what happens. Guys like a woman who can take the reins and show initiative.
4. When he initiates contact, he wants to be close to you
Douchebags and guys who just want attention will always wait for the woman to make the first move. They’re otherwise distant and don’t seem like they care about being around you. But if he’s opening his arms and wrapping you up without you beating him to it, he wants to feel your body near his. These hugs are sensual, comfortable, and always feel right, no matter the situation.
5. Two arms means “I never want to let go”
There’s such thing as a good one-armed hug, but getting one from a guy shows that he isn’t serious about you. If he’s using both arms then he isn’t satisfied with the bare minimum and he’s going to be that way in all aspects of the relationship. Real men aren’t afraid to show how they feel and when he puts his whole body into the hug, he’s proving he’s one of them.
6. If he hesitates before pulling away, there’s more he wants to say
Sometimes men aren’t sure how to find the words they’re looking for, so holding on for an extra beat is their attempt to get the feeling across. Maybe he isn’t sure how you’ll react or just isn’t ready to admit what he’s thinking, but if he’s trying to get a message to you through the contact, hopefully you’ll catch on.
7. The best hugs feel like standing snuggles
There’s a huge difference between a nice hug and one that’s so comfy and cozy that you’d rather be lying in bed. When you’re getting hugs like that, he’s in love with you and can’t picture his life with anyone else. These hugs are intoxicating and leave you feeling both rejuvenated and breathless at the same time.
8. When his entire body collapses, he needs you
Letting you hold him when he’s breaking down is the ultimate sign of vulnerability. Whether he vents, cries, or just relaxes silently in your arms, his ability to let you take on that role shows how much he trusts you and what you have. It’s nice to be taken care of, but every once in a while, being on the other side feels pretty good.
9. Warm, solid hugs mean he wants to keep you safe
Maybe you’re upset and need comforting, or maybe you just need to recharge your battery. When he’s using all his energy to give you positivity, warmth, and strength, he’s being honest with himself and with you about the depth of his feelings. Let it sink in and let it feel incredible.
10. If every hug feels like the last, he’ll never take you for granted
We all like to think we have our whole lives ahead of us, but the truth is we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. When he knows how special you are, every time he embraces you, he’s going to take it in as if he won’t get the chance again. He’ll appreciate you for all you are, and with him in your life, everything will be a bit brighter.
The way a guy hugs isn’t everything and it’s definitely no substitute for actually communicating with him to see how he’s feeling. However, if you’re trying to read his body language, this is a great place to start. Guys aren’t all that big on words, so you’ll have to be extra clever to figure out where his head is at.
