do hugs...

some philosophies/observations on hugs:


side hug
definition:  hug done only with one arm of each party (opposite arms, so the two people's sides come together)
translation:  i see that you want to hug me.  i do NOT want to hug you back either because that would make me extremely uncomfortable or because i don't feel close enough to you for a full on hug.  so instead of flat-out refusing to come anywhere near you, i will simply turn this hug attempt into a side hug to simultaneously save you embarrassment and let you know how awkward this is for me.  by the way, please don't ever do this again.
alternate translation:  this is too quick and casual for a full hug, so i'll just give you a little (side) hug.

bro hug
definition:  hug typically done between men, where one hand shakes and the other arm embraces.
translation:  what's up?  we're guys, so it feels awkward to give you a full-on hug in public, but this "hug" is ok because our handshake keeps us slightly separated.

hand hug
definition:  the coming together of two people's same hands (ex. both people's right hand) with thumbs extending around the other person's hand (most common in male-female platonic relationships).
translation:  to give you a full hug would not be a proper greeting here either because it would not be socially acceptable or because we aren't close enough or because it would be too formal.  but to still greet you personally and affectionately, i bestow upon you this hand hug.

hug
definition:  full embrace, where both parties have both arms wrapped around the other
translation:  ANYTHING from "i'm so glad to see you; it's been so long," to "i will miss you," to "i LOVE you," to "i'm here for you" ........... the list goes on, differing in manner and expression...................




i don't normally initiate hugs, but will usually return them.  there are, of course, exceptions.  if i ever initiate a hug, be aware that it is not something to be taken lightly.  not that it necessarily covers over a ton of hidden meaning, but know that it is fairly rare.