Guys, why might you rub a girl's back while hugging her?

[BraveNewWorld]

My friend and I normally give tight, full body hugs, where our heads rest on each other's shoulders/nuzzles the other's neck. Our hugs aren't quick. I've never timed them, but we hold each other longer than the average embrace. Sometimes he pulls me in for a double hug.

After our most recent hangout, he gently rubbed the full length of my back. Like usual, there was virtually no space between us and our heads were perched in their traditional fashion. But this was the first time he rubbed my back. A little taken aback by this new movement, I responded by stroking between his shoulders for awhile then tightening my hold until we let go. He thanked me for hanging out, and we parted ways.

We were having an upbeat discussion before the hug happened and the mood was pretty positive, so it wasn't like I needed consoling. Outside of select family members, I've never hugged anyone but him. Thus, I don't have a lot of experience with "hugging etiquette." Is the back rub a positive expression? Why might a guy do this?

[RyanRz]

Context is important: if she's sad it can be done to help her feel better. In that case, non-romantic. If it's something like a goodbye hug, this is probably being done to establish intimacy. Any time outside of a comforting situation probably means that the guy has more than friends feelings. If he's hugging for an extended period of time, it indicates strong affection and attraction.

[Caius]

He likes you so he's trying to subtly show it by increasing the intimacy of the hug.

[BraveNewWorld]

What makes a hug intimate?

[Caius]

we naturally touch each other to show affection. Him rubbing your back resembles a soothing motion of sorts as well as enjoying the way you feel to him.

If you've ever handled a baby, you'll naturally fondle them to show affection. This isn't so far off from that.

[oldoldold]

it's semi sexual.

the beginning of a move

[BraveNewWorld]

Isn't rubbing someone's back primarily a comforting measure or a way of communicating they care?

[oldoldold]

depending on where towards the shoulders yes towards the but no

[KingOfGaG]

Yeah why not