BY ELLIE KAPCAR

Hugging is a social convention many of us experience on a daily basis, and though substantial evidence suggests that hugs improve physical, emotional, and psychological health, they are awkward for most of us.

Hugs are appropriate in an infinite amount of situations: among friends, at family reunions, with your mommy before bedtime, at weddings or funerals, even sporting events or NHS inductions. But let’s face it: hugs can be downright awkward.

Let’s say you’re meeting up with a friend you haven’t seen in six months. You approach them with escalating anxiety. Do you hug them or not? Do they look like they’re going in for a full hug or the side hug? Are you supposed to rub or pat their back? How do you extend your arms without messing up or looking foolish?

Sophomore Gracie Teghtmeyer says, “When you first meet or see someone after a long time you’re kind of like…uh…what do I even do?”

Before you know it, there’s an odd shuffle of arms and confused grunts as you struggle to greet the person. At this point the hug probably isn’t even worth it. Then the question becomes which approach you go for: the Side Hug, the Classic, the Bro Hug, or the Bear Hug.

The Side Hug
3/10 (To be avoided at all costs)
Unfortunately, we’re all a bit too familiar with this one. Perhaps you experienced it with your freshman homecoming date, or maybe at that one family reunion with that uncle you haven’t seen in three years. Whatever the situation, the side hug is usually not a great option. It’s sort of like sighing, like half-satisfied but awkward as your shoulders bump together.

Junior Sam Rubin says, “This is the hug to act like you care when, in reality, you don’t care very much.”

Others, however disagree. “The side hug is my favorite because you can casually slide into it, sort of like sliding into somebody’s DM’s,” says sophomore Analise Hinebaugh.

The Classic Hug
6/10
While this hug is usually a pretty safe bet, it does raise some concerns. Do you pat or rub the back of the person you’re hugging? This is usually a no, unless you’re hugging your grandma who initiates it first and you feel obligated to return it. Another key point of contention is arm placement.

Junior Courtney Dunning shares, “One of my biggest fears is going into hugs and not knowing how to place my arms. I always have to put my arms above the other person’s…but other people don’t always get that,” she says.

“If you have a weak hug I have no respect for you,” adds junior Erin Cash.

The Bro Hug
6.5/10
Obviously, this one is for the bros…or anyone who feels like a bro. In fact, there’s really no wrong way to or bad situation for it. The Bro Hug is by far the most fun and versatile.

“You do it with your bros after you haven’t seen them for awhile or if you’re feeling really touchy like Bobby Dennerll,” says junior Scott Overbey.

Kyle Nienaber shares one rule, “You have to have at least three inches of space between the abdomens,” he says.

The Bear Hug
9/10
This hug is best suited for the people you love most: best friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, moms and dads, siblings, and close family members. This sort of hug is the physical embodiment of joy, like when you’re so excited you just have to squeeze someone else so they can imbibe your happiness. This hug is the most consoling and hopefully includes smiles and happy exchanges between both huggers.

“I like a big excited bear hug because that means the person really cares about me. If they jump into me with a hug, it means they must really likes me. And that’s pretty cool,” says junior Ben Phelan.

However, there are some who are opposed to hugging as a form of social interaction. “There’s something called personal space, and when you hug someone you’re disrespecting that boundary,” states sophomore Will Weston.  Sophie Borgerding agrees. “Hugging animals is ten times better than hugging humans,” she says.

Junior Emily Ferguson offers her insight about other choices. “In case of intense awkwardness, hand hugs are always a good alternative,” she says.