Hugs are a way of showing affection and comfort to friends.It's possible that you don't like hugs, and may not know how to handle them.You might just need some practice if you feel like you're doing it wrong.It might be a good idea to get used to hugging somebody else.Hugging may not be your favorite thing, but with some of the following techniques, it may become easier for you.
Step 1: Don't ask for help.
Do you feel comfortable hugging someone, like a close friend or a family member?It is possible to find someone who will not make you feel weird if you don't like hugging.You could ask a friend to grade you or rate you on a hug.It's possible to make a game out of it and make it easier for your friend to give you an honest assessment.Hearing from your friend that your hug is a D-plus or a 3 makes it easier to swallow.They can give you feedback like, "Don't be so stiff," or "Come closer, because you feel really far away."
Step 2: Relax techniques should be practiced.
Hugs are not good for people who are rigid.There are some strategies you can use to stay relaxed.Take a deep breath and exhale.Take the tension out of your arms by consciously tensing them up, holding it for a few seconds, and then relaxing.Your arms will relax.You can do this with your whole body as well.It's just a hug, don't put pressure on yourself to get it right.If you are hugging someone, it is likely because you care about them.Chances are they care about you, too, and won't judge you on how you do it.
Step 3: Do you want to hug your pillow?
It sounds a little strange.No one needs to know you are doing it.Relax into the pillow by pretending it's a person.Take a look at where your arms and head feel most comfortable.
Step 4: Get up to it.
If you are not a touchy-feely person, don't jump into big bear hugs.Break the action down into smaller steps to reach your goal.You should move on to the next action once you are comfortable with the small action.You can progress this way by shaking hands, touching other person's upper arm, and putting one arm around their shoulders.
Step 5: You can discover some benefits of hugging.
There are a lot of reasons to give and receive hugs.They do more than just show affection.Hugs reduce stress.Hugs help you feel relaxed and less stressed.It's important to keep you healthy.Your immune system is taxed by stress.You are reducing stress if you are receiving hugs.You are less likely to get sick if you feel less stressed.Help others feel connected to you.New mothers who give birth to a baby will experience the same bonding hormone as before.Hugs reduce the feeling of loneliness and help you feel supported.
Step 6: Have good body language.
Someone needs to want to give you a hug in order for you to accept it.If you look unfriendly, you won't get a hug.Look at the person who wants to hug you.To get a hug, hold your arms out at your sides.Keep your arms straight at your sides.
Step 7: Accept a hug with confidence.
Are you ready to embrace a hug?When hugging, tilt your head in the opposite direction to the person.Go right if they turn their head to the left.You'll end up bumping heads if you don't.Try to keep your elbow out when you put your arms around them.The person being hugged has your elbow closer to them.A hug doesn't have to be long.It's appropriate to have a few seconds.
Step 8: The hug is something you like.
Does it make you feel relaxed?Did it make you happy?The next time you hug someone, remember those feelings.Positive feelings will be associated with being hugged.
Step 9: The end of the hug has been signaled.
You might not want to be hugged for that long if you are just getting used to it.Give the person a quick, tighter squeeze, then back out of the hug, to indicate that you are finished hugging.As you back out, put your hands on the person's arms.Pull away from a sideways hug.
Step 10: You should figure out some alternatives to hugging.
If you are not comfortable with hugs, there are other ways to express warmth, friendliness, or comfort.Shake hands, pat someone on the back, or put an arm around them.
Step 11: Give other people social signals.
Let people know you don't like hugging.You can tell the truth and say, for example, "I'm sorry, I've never liked being hugged," or you can try another strategy: When you see someone approaching with their arms out, offer your hand to shake.People pick up on this cue most of the time.Make a joke out of it by saying, "You might not want to hug me, I'm just getting over a terrible cold."You don't want to hug me, I'm the world's worst hugger!Pull away quickly if you just get hugged for a second.
Step 12: Go easy on yourselves.
You don't have to give hugs in this world.You shouldn't force yourself to like them just to fit in.You have a different level of comfort than other people because you don't like being in big crowds or in small spaces.
Step 13: If it's a bigger problem, make a decision.
Haphephobia is a fear of being touched by someone else.Counseling can help you get over your fear.