Hugging someone?

Question

Is body language key to signal anything?

I know that the typical boy/girl hug is - girls arms around neck, boys arms around waist.

The opposite sex-friendship hug is criss-cross (one arm around waist, one around shoulder)

But, does it mean anything when a guy who usually hugs you around the waist, hugs you around the shoulders?

Does he want you to feel protected? Or do guys just feel like doing that for no reason?

Answer 1

Embracing a person around the shoulders is usually indicative of paternalistic intentions.

Whilst it is not uncommon for men to embrace (other men) around the shoulders, to do so with the opposite sex is also paternalistic with familiar friends, family and from an older to a younger person. (2)

Speculatively, this person probably feels sufficient familiarity with you to do so.

However, this convention is a poor substitute for not having forehand knowledge of general social etiquette and etiquette customs of other cultures especially when it comes to work (1);

To exhibit proper Etiquette means to act upon the art of good manners in all social encounters including respect for the customs of other cultures, despite the person being of the same citizenship and race. (3)

Answer 2

I do that because I am tall. And to hug most women around the waist I would have to squat.

that would look funny.

I am not a big hugger at all anyway. That is probably cause I like to grind into someone if I am hugging and my wife gets mad.

Answer 3

I never knew there were rules to a hug... I don't think there is anything to get worked up over. I've hugged friends and boyfriends both ways.

Answer 4

wow! you have rules for hugging. It also depends on the type of hug and longevity of it. Sounds like a protection hug you got.