Its very strange ..the act of hugging someone.How would you hug?

Question

So there's this guy that used to be interested in me (I'm not sure if he still is in the way he was before). We talk online often and see each other between a class every other day and chat for a bit.
I really want to hug him because he's a nice and supportive friend, but I can't seem do it.
Recently he approached me as his class was ending and mine was begining and I felt him get close to me ( I thought " perfect hug opportunity" online this was infront of a lecture hall of 30-50 something of my closest aquaintences) and this akwards elbow hand thing was going on as if he wanted to give me a hug or something he kept swaying towards and away from me.
I want to give him a hug, but i don't want to like him.Maybe my awareness of his past interest or me starting to like him is keeping from hugging him? I really don't know?

So i pose the question when its not your best friend yet, a family member or an introduction or a member of the same sex,How do you hug?

It's so easy to say it and think it, but so hard to do, thanks for your feedback.

Answer 1

Hugging someone is a big step for a relationship. When you hug you are entering into someone Else's space. You know, that space we all keep around us clear and it feels uncomfortable to let strangers in. It depends on how close you feel to him. If you want to hug him do it.

However, I think you have feelings for him and are feeling a bit shy. Maybe on a subconscious level. Good friends hug and don't really think about it and you are giving it a lot of thought. I would Just hug him.

Answer 2

if you're going to hug someone, just seriously HUG THEM. none of those awkward half hugs, where you don't let your bodies touch, or those weird, zero-energy, light pat on the back type of hug, or those hugs where you just put one arm around the persons neck and pull them closer so that your head goes over their shoulder. no, no. a real hug, like when you throw your arms around that person, pull them to you, and just hug. seriously, it's so much more enjoyable. it may seem awkward for you at first, but if you don't show that you're feeling weird, it'll be a lot less odd for the other person.