How would you react if a person of the opposite sex asked you for a hug?

Question

Investigator · Accepted Answer

I think every guy, for whom this situation applies, would feel "seen". Normally, guys go unrecognized or unnoticed. Being hugged means A) you are noticed and B) you're presence is meaningful. Total strangers can have sex and not even "see" each other, because they are too focused on using the other person to get off. Hell, the Walk of Shame exists for a reason; you didn't put in the work to think about who you banged the night before--probably because you didn't care (that's a "tomorrow problem)--and now you have to acknowledge that act by waking up in a foreign place, disheveled and disorganized, and leave. At least hookers are paid to exist left stage.

Hugs, on the other hand, are usually done sober and with clarity of thought. It's the difference between a slow simmer versus a quick f*ck. You're not simply meat that looks good, you're someone worth being close with. This ironically can makes hugs more intimate that intercourse: sex is about physical connection, but a hug is about mental and emotional recognition.

Static_In_The_Attic · Accepted Answer

A hug is a hug & in life everyone needs a hug so if someone of the opposite sex asked me for a hug I would be honored & delighted to give her a hug.

SuckOnThisOpinion · Accepted Answer

Depends on the intention behind it, if someone simply sincerely needs a hug because they're feeling down I'll do it either way. I hugged a homeless dude once after a quick, emotional conversation. He was a good guy and I did not feel in any danger. Which brings me to the next intentions, namely if they are sexual or dangerous. In the latter it's obviously a no, but in the former then it depends on whether or not you want to have this kind of flirty interaction with that person. I believe that's also a reason why girls more often reject to hug guys than the other way around, because we smell it from afar if there are other intentions behind it, sometimes even if the guy doesn't know himself.

HelpfulWoman · Accepted Answer

context matters
friends? okay i guess
partner? easily
parent/in law? sure!
cosplayers at a con? Probably depending on vibe/politeness
random stranger in street? probably not
Stranger leering and making inappropriate comments? absolutely not.

Account · Answer

"Sorry, bro I don't know you well."

Sun_Kim-Ai · Answer

I'm not squeamish about hugging other people, men and women, both to greet them or if they just need a hug.

As a matter of fact, last week I hugged a woman while consoling her after she stopped crying. Like you wrote, she was having a hard week, bottled everything up until she imploded.

Kori1236 · Answer

I’m not a touchy person, I don’t like a lot of physical touch. So I don’t often hug people. I think it would come down to how well I knew this person. I would consider it and if it were a friend I would probably set my hesitancy aside but a random stranger isn’t happening.

TheRealPepperPotts · Answer

I probably wouldn't, and if I did it would be because I felt pressured. It's weird to me that someone would  ask  for a hug anyway. If someone asks, I tend to view them as needy and pushy. I'm pretty intuitive and if someone needs a hug and I feel like it's the proper moment, I'd do it. Physical touch is very meaningful and powerful to me, which is why I've had to learn how to handle casual hugging.

DrPepper12 · Answer

What other answer would anyone give but yes? 😳 It's a human reaching out to another human for solace, support or belonging. If they're taking a reason for the hug cuz they like me well shame on them but I'm not going to say no to someone who's reaching out and vulnerable. I'd rather take the L for being naive than a monster

Rachey1986 · Answer

Depends on the situation. If I know them, why not. Everyone needs a hug sometimes and you never know what someone's going through

UnusualWeirdo · Answer

Give it to them it's just a hug, hell I've hugged other guys, sometimes a hug can do so much for a person, you never know what they're going through.

EzraIsShy76028 · Answer

No strong reaction in one way or the other.  I myself am not especially touchy feely, though not against it either.  I won't seek out hugs, though I don't mind if other people hug me.

Being_a_good_Indian · Answer

As a guy, if a woman asked me for a hug, I'd likely feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, I might feel flattered and appreciated that she feels comfortable expressing her feelings to me. On the other hand, I'd want to be respectful of her boundaries and ensure that she's genuinely comfortable with the physical contact.

jazzy34 · Answer

I have a male friend who will give me a side hug when we see each other. No biggie. 😊

KingslayerC · Answer

I'd give her the old "Grandma hug" like I always do.

Unit1 · Answer

I love cuddling nice girls

maximilientoste · Answer

If you ain’t my mom, niece, sister, GIRLFRIEND, or a loooong time friend, I don’t really want to touch you. Man or woman or whatever. Most women think that they can touch all men whenever and you might look stupid when I duck out of your hug attempt.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

I'd give them a hug! I'm told I give GREAT hugs!!

morganherrel · Answer

It's generally uncomfortable for me. But if it's necessary in that moment for my friend, then I would do it anyway.

Finchie40 · Answer

A hug is a hug , so I wouldn’t mind if she needed one

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

In a generic situation? Embarrassed. Hugging is too personal for such a situation, in my eyes.

Goahead76 · Answer

I'd give them a hug. What's the problem with that? As normal as anything I can think of.

SugarSugarplum · Answer

That totally depends on context.  Rando off the street? Eww! Coworker whose Mom just died? OK.

paledreams · Answer

Appalled if they're unattractive - appalled if they're not 18 plus - and downright disgusted if they're unattractive to me after meeting the first two criteria lol

mstbooblover · Answer

No doubt I would give that woman a hug, and with pleasure. I know how eager one can be to get a plain hug, whatever the reason may be.

DaBiggestBird · Answer

After careful consideration, I likely would accept that request. If she does something weird I might say something like “Don’t start a war with me. I will win”.

RageBabe · Answer

Both my family and I are huggers; we are incredibly affectionate individuals. However, I'm usually cautious about it because I've had people misinterpret hugs or even me being friendly as flirtatious.

MoonFace2 · Answer

If they were a friend or love interest, sure. Otherwise, no touchies

SnowyOwl · Answer

If they don't look threatening... I can spare a hug. Maybe they really need it (:

PBandJ_Nerd · Answer

I'd give them a hug. I love giving hugs so we might as well spread the love.

myloveforuisinfinte · Answer

It's definitely uncomfortable if I don't know that person. But if ik that person then sure! ☺️

Bricealan · Answer

I would squeeze 'em like crazy ! 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️😂

NathanDavis · Answer

I'd give them a hug... and watch out for my pockets and stuff, lol

Anonymous · Answer

With suspicion. "Why"?

Don't get me wrong if someone needed a hug there's little I'd like better than to accomidate them. But I understand women too much now. It's more than likely this is a ploy to try to manipulate me.

ManOnFire · Answer

Fine by me. I have a habit for that anyway.

Kreneman · Answer

I would feel great because I am hugging person and get it all the time.

QuietRunner · Answer

I would give her the hug I would wonder if she needs more

kellytheman · Answer

Not a big hugger but if I know her somewhat like my sister, niece or one of my friends that are girls I be okay with it if they ask for one.

elaphe · Answer

To be honest, if the person looked like they needed a hug, male or female, I would probably do it.

Anonymous · Answer

Depending on how I'm feeling about them, I'll do it, of course. I'm autistic

es20490446e · Answer

I will give the hug along with bubbly voices.

Starrrboy · Answer

Only if she's cute and didn't smell weird lol..

Wallythewalrus2 · Answer

I'd hug them if they need one. I might even give a little ass rub.

Garud · Answer

I will think more than usual

Shihab_91 · Answer

I mean if i like them back it would be nice that i can make better for her 🤗😁

Rohaan2020 · Answer

I’d hug her… i’ll feel good that shez connected to me to be asking for hug

Gabriel-Chicanito · Answer

It's happened before!. And fortunately They were hot!..

justabuddy · Answer

It depends. This is a trick to get at your wallet. If I knew they were not theives, sure why not.

DerekC321 · Answer

A hug is usually okay, but it would depend on the context.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

If she's fugly and/or flat-chested ( and isn't old, a kid or distressed) I'd VERY RELUCTANTLY agree.

SolitarySolace · Answer

I don't hug anyone unless they're family.

LiamJHayden · Answer

Depend upon why.

Anonymous · Answer

Probably cry at this point in my life.

Nikki1989 · Answer

I would gladly give them a hug.

AviatorTom · Answer

I'd give her a hug.

slatyb · Answer

I would open my arms.

Apple1996 · Answer

I would give them a hug

WhitneySnow · Answer

I would give them a hug

ChicoFromThe305 · Answer

It's just a hug, maybe they need it

bowenw · Answer

Happy to do it.

Hassaniscool · Answer

You never been hugged

ProbablyClueless · Answer

I'd be flattered and then give her a hug

Jennz6 · Answer

I’m a Hugger 💃

Agape93 · Answer

Depends on who it is

How would you react if a person of the opposite sex asked you for a hug?

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How would you react if a person of the opposite sex asked you for a hug?

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