Why do women love hugs?

Short Answer: It feels good (emotionally and physically) :)

For me: I think this is very general. Not all women love hugs. And not only women love hugs. I can only speak to my experience. I am a very physical person... it is how I express my love. Hugging a friend, kissing their cheek, holding their hand, rubbing their back, wiping their tears; their are other ways to express love, but these are some of my favourite... to really connect with some one - to be able to touch them on the outside and reach deep into their soul. It's amazing when mind, body, and soul are able to all just connect and be on the same wavelength when you are expressing physical love (of any genre).

Long Answer: With that being said - maybe you have noticed that women hug other women more often than men hug other men. There is a big social taboo against men expressing physical (intimate) love towards one another, likely because of a largely homophobic American culture. It is much more acceptable for women to be gay than men (though both are still very unaccepted). It is for that reason that it is more acceptable for women to display physical affection towards one another... the taboo isn't as strong. As I've said plenty of times before, women are social creatures - hugging is another friendly way to socialize (a social gesture if you will). It's a friendly hello and a friendly goodbye. Girls may not hug acquaintances, but it seems that saying goodbye to a friend requires more than just a wave - that is where the hug comes in for girls. It shows closeness. So it is also a way to differentiate the closeness of any particular bond.

If you notice, there are also different distances with which people are willing to stand when socializing depending on the closeness of the bond. 6-12 foot distance for acquaintances is not uncommon in America.Obviously a little less in friends, and almost no distance is kept between romantic partners (always "in eachother's space").

From friends- It's just nice, shows that they care, etc.

From my boyfriend- Makes me feels safe, secure, feels like he's there for me and wants me close.

Pretty simple if you ask me.