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This article was co-authored by Imad Jbara and wikiHow staff writer Devin McSween. Imad Jbara is a dating coach for NYC Wingwoman LLC, a relationship coaching service based in New York. ‘NYC Wingwoman’ offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 coaching and intensive weekend camps. Imad serves over 100 male and female clients to improve their dating lives through authentic communication skills. He graduated in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
So you got a hug around the neck from a girl and now you’re wondering what it means. Girls like to hug guys for many reasons, such as expressing their affection, comfort and trust. Depending on your relationship, her body language and the context of the hug, this gesture could be romantic or platonic. Follow along as we discover the main reasons why girls like to hug guys around the neck, as well as how to tell if a hug is romantic and how to respond to it!
- A girl might put her arms around a guy’s neck to tell him that she loves him and cares about him. This deeply intimate hug can also be a sign that she trusts him.
- Some girls might put their arms around a guy’s shoulders if they want to feel protected or comforted when they’re upset.
- When the hug is romantic, the girl usually squeezes her whole body into the guy, holds the hug for a few seconds and squeezes him.
She loves you and cares for you. Receiving a hug around the neck from a girl envelops you in all her warmth and affection without her having to say a word. This hug simply says that he values you and loves having you in his life, whether he sees you as a friend or something more.[1]
- For example, your friend might hug you around the neck after you win a soccer game to celebrate and show you that she’s proud.
- Or your crush might throw her arms over your shoulders and hold on tight to tell you she’s grateful for everything you do for her.
- You will know that this hug means love and care because she will hold you close for longer and squeeze you gently.
She trusts you. Typically, a girl only hugs a guy over her shoulder who is her close friend or romantic partner. This hug is a more intimate gesture that usually involves touching your chest, so it shows you that she feels very comfortable around you. Her warm embrace represents the deep bond and strong bond you share.[2]
- Your friend or crush can show that they trust you by giving you a quick squeeze or a back rub.
He wants to feel protected. When a girl wants to feel safe in your arms, she might wrap her arms around your neck. This warm hug allows her to hold you, which reassures her that you are there to take care of her. She might throw her arms over your shoulders when she’s feeling upset or just wants to be close to you.[3]
- This is another more intimate hug that girls usually give to their close friends and significant others. She might give you an extra squeeze to show that she feels your care and protection.
- A girl could hug you like this so that you too feel protected and safe. Although she may not be a threat, she is telling you that she has your back in everything.
He wants to be intimate. If your crush or partner throws their arms around your neck and presses their body against yours, they may have something other than hugging on their minds. When there is a connection of the whole body, this gesture takes on a sensual and romantic meaning. This hug puts her in the perfect position to kiss you and lead to something more![4]
Watch for other flirtatious signs that she wants to get close to, such as making eye contact, smiling, blushing, or stroking your neck.
She wants emotional support. For some girls, nothing is more comforting than hugging their friend or partner around the neck. If she’s had a bad day or is going through a tough time, she might lean into your arms to feel your love and support. Hugging her back can encourage her to express her feelings and face what’s bothering her.[5]
- When you hug her, comfort your friend or crush by gently rubbing her back. Then ask her how she’s feeling or if she wants to talk about what’s bothering her.
- Your crush or friend could hug you over the shoulder to give you emotional support as well. A long hug is her way of assuring you that everything will be okay because she is with you.
He wants to feel dominant. A girl wrapping her arms around your neck can be an assertive gesture that puts her above you. If you’re teasing your friend, she might hug you and pat you on the back a few times to playfully show you that she’s in control. Or your crush might hug you as a flirtatious, suggestive sign that he wants you and isn’t afraid to make the first move.
A hug is more comfortable for her. Sometimes a girl may hug you around the neck just because she thinks it’s more comfortable in that position. Whether she’s taller or shorter than you, it might be better for her to drape her arms over your shoulders instead of around your waist or torso.[6]
He greets you with hello or goodbye. Like other types of hugs, a girl’s neck hug can be just a way of saying hello. This hug can be simply a friendly or polite gesture from your friend, crush or significant other.[7]
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