Why do guys give such half-hearted hugs?

[Anonymous]

Why do so many guys give such cold hugs, with the one-arm and short duration? I can kind of understand it when it's a guy hugging another guy, as it seems more manly like a 'bro-hug.' But I don't understand why they hug girls that way too, even if they're close friends?

Is is it because they're uncomfortable, feel awkward, unattracted or repulsed by the person they're hugging?

[Anonymous]

Prolonged hugs are /always/ interpreted as a guy being into a girl. Hugging in the rather haphazard manner you describe removes that issue. Doesn't necessarily mean none of them are interested, just that they don't want to straight out show it yet.

[heavensgift2girls]

Guys are constantly being treated like every time they touch someone it is sexual. This makes a lot of guys worry that if he hugs a guy or girl too long it will be misinterpreted as being sexual.

[Anonymous]

I think you're reading too much in to it. It's just a hug, he's just a friend.

[Tarvold]

Because we're paranoid that you would think we were taking advantage of pressing your boobs against our chest.

[Aeliuz]

One armed hug, is the hug equivalent of doing the 'limp fish' handshake.