On National Hugging Day it was found that 1 in 3 Britons want more hugs and that, shockingly, 1 in 10 of us can’t even remember our last hug! What’s that about?

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

Hallmark polled the nation and found that a third of us would like to have more hugs as a form of reassurance and also discovered that, shamefully, 15 per cent of us rarely give hugs out.

This is insane considering how a good hug can instantly change your mood, and nearly 40 per cent of participants admit that a hug is vital for enhancing your health and happiness.

So why aren’t we hugging more often? It appears the problem could be our British stiff upper-lip. Twenty six per cent of those surveyed said that our lack of tactility is down to the UK’s reserved nature.

Forever Friends discovered that 25 per cent (that’s a whole quarter!) of people save their hugs for special occasions with 9 per cent saying that hugging just doesn’t come naturally to them, they’re missing out!

Relationship and body language expert, Judi James says, “This is a very sorry state of affairs – especially when you consider the real and tangible benefits of giving and receiving hugs in our everyday lives. We’re having a tough time in the UK, with worsening economic gloom and our less than sunny summer weather, so I’d really urge individuals to let loose and envelop their loved ones in a cosy, heart-felt embrace.”

Judi James has devised a hugging etiquette guide, for those who really crave a hug but just don’t know how to go about it. Shy huggers, take note!

Hug Etiquette

• Hold on tight: a firm hold best conveys a genuine hug, the most satisfying hug always ends with an extra supportive squeeze

• Time waits for no man: the most common concern for men is how long to maintain the grasp. This is a tricky one to judge and largely depends on the person and the situation. Be careful not to overdo it but bear in mind too short could leave it feeling lacklustre

• Anytime, anyplace, anyone: Don’t restrict your hugs to close friends and loved ones – approachable colleagues and those clearly in need really will appreciate an empathetic embrace – but be sure to ask permission first!

• Commit to the clinch: remember, a half-hearted hug is worse than no hug at all. Say it like you mean it, don’t hesitate as a ‘limp lift’ suggests a fake.

It isn’t all bad though, there are some super huggers out there as 26 per cent said they would always give out a hug to those in need, regardless of who they are.

So come on Britons, relax that upper lip, read up on hugging etiquette and get those big embraces out! If you’re feeling hug crazy then remember to visit foreverfriends.co.uk to give some virtual hugs.

 


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