It is the simplest and most comforting thing – open your arms, wrap them around the recipient and feel the warmth and affection emanating from within. The term finds its origins in the Old Norse ‘hugga’ meaning to comfort or to console, in Saxon ‘hog’ meaning to embrace tenderly, and in German ‘henge’ meaning to enclose, foster or cherish.

From platonic to romantic, hugs are the universal language of care and love. They come in different shapes and sizes.

There are full-circle-tight hugs, a quick embrace-and-release hugs, and the most notorious (that should be used sparingly) sideways-hug. It is always recommended that to feel the full effects of an optimal dopamine release, you use the first one on most occasions and never use the last one until the circumstances are dire.

Types

The tiniest hugs from a toddler can take away the weariness of life and remind us of the innocence and wonder that surrounds us. These are some of the purest affections available out there. Sometimes these are also accompanied with slobbered kisses all over your face and these should absolutely be cherished with all your being. If received correctly, you will find between those tiny, soft, chubby arms the wonders of creation and the divine itself. Take these as unexpected blessings sent your way to help you find your own childlike joy.

Hugs amongst friends indicate the everlasting nature of dependability. These sometimes come in groups that propel the circumference of love. In here, you will find that you can be your cringiest self and yet will be accepted for that very cringe. Sometimes, friends also have the tendency to give a hug which is accompanied with unwarranted and excessive shrieking along with simultaneous jumping in the joy. To others it may look like madness, but little do they know how much exuberance it brings. Shamelessly relish these hugs, nonetheless.

Hugging parents have been known to provide strength and sustenance. What’s great is that they come in pairs! They can provide the assurance of everything being fine in this ever-changing world. Between these four arms lie your entire life and the love that helped birth you. These hugs are known to heal the deepest wounds and provide comfort that resembles home. Sometimes they can also be received without any reason whatsoever and that is what makes this one extremely special.

So, you thought a pair of hugs was great, right? What if that was doubled? Enter hugs from grandparents. No one has been able to understand how, but somehow they have the magical ability to transport you to the realms of childhood and immerse you in the familiar fields of coziness. In these hugs are contained the blessings of all your ancestors. Amongst those wrinkled arms, you will find lessons of life delivered in the kindest of ways. Sometimes these hugs have been known to be accompanied with gentle pats which honestly go very well together. These ones specifically are reminders of the legacy you descend from and one that you have been entrusted to carry.

Hugs from your beloved bring about intimacy, belonging, and fondness. All the hugs that you have given and received through your life, has been perfected just for this type of hug. It is a culmination of love that has sought you out and chosen to sanctify you in its magnificence. The marvellous streams of endearment have the power to carry you into states of bliss that you would have only heard of, until experienced. Sometimes this type of hug has a mutual advantage too, where the taller person can plant forehead kisses on the other while the shorter person can listen to the other’s heartbeat. Adoration and devotion have the potential to peak between those arms, if given and received without any inhibitions.

Uses

Hugs can be used for a variety of reasons. There are no established rules of indulging in this, but you can consider using this in the following situations:

• When you need to express joy
• When meeting loved ones, it could be after years or even everyday
• When there is a need to comfort someone in pain or grief
• When you want to convey appreciation
• When affection needs expression
• When words fail to find a way for love into existence
• Sometimes, no reasons are needed at all

If you have hugged well and have been hugged well in return, consider yourself to be one of the luckiest people alive. So, when in doubt, always hug it out.