2. Figure Out If She Likes To Be Hugged
Girls make it obvious with their body language when they are open to physical contact. Based on how she is standing, or how she greets you, you can figure out if she is comfortable with you going in for the hug. Signs she is interested: Her hips or feet are pointed directly toward you. Her tone of voice is animated and bright when she talks to you.
This one is tricky. Yes, those could be signs that she’s into you, or it could mean that she’s about to knee you in the nuts. It’s all about context. Try to reflect on what you said immediately before she made this move, and then either hug her, or hightale it out of there.
3. Approach Her Gently
Resist the urge to dive in and hug her as quickly as possible. Instead, take a deep breath and move in at a pace that allows her to decide whether or not she wants to hug you.
Yeah, dive hugs are bad. Never lunge in there like you’re on special teams. But be careful with that deep breath. You don’t want her thinking it’s your first time touching a girl since a grade school game of tag.
4. Decide How Long You’re Going to Hold the Hug
The duration of your hug says a lot about what it means to you. The longer you hold on, the more intimate the hug is.
This is true, although it’s a fine line between intimate and restraining order.
5. Release
Pull back from the hugging position in one smooth move. Typically, you want to begin to pull back before she does. Ending it a few seconds earlier than you have to can keep the hug from veering into awkward territory.
Think of hugging as the opposite of a game of chicken. The one who jumps first wins.
6. Finish Off in a Cute Way
The way you end it should depend on the situation. If you really like this girl, though, the end of a hug is your chance to do something adorable that she’ll remember.
Hm. We’d suggest replacing the word "adorable" with "charming." Unless you have access to a puppy.
7. Learn About Different Hugging Positions
Apparently there are six of them:
Slow-dance, Big Bear and Little Bear, One-arm Sling, T-Rex, Criss-cross, and From Behind.
Okay, this is clearly some advanced level sh*t. Especially the "From Behind." Best be saving that one for your wedding night.