Hugging techniques?

Question

I'm confused about hugging. I'm a 5'8" tall woman and I usually hug taller people by going under with my arms and shorter people by going over with my arms, regardless of s*x.

I've paid attention to it lately and I'm noticing trends. Women seem to be hugging men with their arms on top, even when they're significantly shorter than the men (having to reach up).

Also, I've noticed the sideways hug, where Person A's right arm goes over Person B's left arm, and Person A's left arm goes under Person B's right arm.

What's the etiquette with this? Please give your best answer, instead of "do whatever feels right". I'm looking for explanations of these hug types and what's considered normal for which situation. Thanks a lot if you can help!

Answer 1

to be honest I don't know how I do it .................i just do it but now you've said it I'll take note of what i do ..............................

Answer 2

Now that you have pointed this out, I think I always do what you refer to as the 'sideways hug'...I'm 5'4''.  Otherwise it's just kind of who's hands end up whichever way...never really thought about it.

Oh - and just to add, I think if a person initiates a hug, they usually have both hands on top...and the other person receives the hug and has their hands down below.

Whoever thought a hug could be so complicated...haha.