How does touching cheeks when hugging make you feel? Does someone hug you like this?
Paying attention to body language cues is always a good way to figure out what people are really thinking.
With cheek-touching hugs, for some people, it means they’re giving a romantic hug, while for others it’s just a cultural thing.
The intent really depends on the person initiating the hug, but you also have the right to set some boundaries based on how it makes you feel.
Here is a look at hugging etiquette, and how to handle hugs when your cheeks touch:
Does Touching Cheeks when Hugging Mean It’s a Romantic Hug?
The answer to this question really depends on the couple in question.
For some, touching cheeks while hugging is definitely a romantic gesture.
It’s a way of being physically close to someone and making skin-to-skin contact, and it can be quite intimate.
However, not all couples who touch cheeks while hugging are necessarily romantic with each other.
It’s also common in some cultures for friends and family members to greet each other by touching cheeks, so it really depends on the context.
If you’re not sure whether or not the person you’re hugging is interested in you romantically, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and assume that they’re not.
That way, you won’t risk making them feel uncomfortable or put them in an awkward position.
But if someone is touching cheeks while giving you a hug, it’s certainly a good sign and indicates they’re comfortable around you if nothing else!
Related – Reasons why a guy would lean in for a hug explained.
Which Cultures Touch Cheeks when Hugging?
As I mentioned, touching or kissing on the cheek is very common in some cultures and doesn’t give away anything about how they feel about you.
Some of the cultures that touch cheeks while hugging include:
The Latin American cultures, such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
As well as most of Continental Europe, including France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
Some cultures across The Middle East and North Africa also greet each other or part ways in this way.
In these cultures, it’s perfectly normal and doesn’t indicate anything more than a platonic relationship.
In fact, you might even find that people who are complete strangers will kiss or touch cheeks as a way of greeting each other!
Of course, if you’re not used to this custom, it can be a little bit uncomfortable or even off-putting.
But if you’re ever in a situation where someone from one of these cultures is trying to greet you with a cheek kiss, just go with the flow and follow their lead.
If a Guy Touches Your Cheek when He Hugs You Does It Mean He Likes You?
There’s no surefire answer to this question, as it really depends on the guy in question.
Some guys might touch your cheek when they hug you because they’re interested in you and want to be physically close to you.
Others might do it as a sign of affection, even if they’re not interested in you romantically.
And then there are guys who might touch your cheek simply because it’s a cultural custom or they’re used to doing it with everyone they hug as I explained.
The best thing to do is to look for other signs that the guy likes you as more than friends, and I’m sure you’ll be able to spot some signs if he does.
Look out for signs like:
- He’s always around you and seems to be in your personal space a lot.
- He pays attention to you and remembers things you’ve said.
- He goes out of his way to help you or do things for you.
- He compliments you often.
- He clearly makes an effort with you over other people.
If a guy is exhibiting any of these behaviors, there’s a good chance he likes you and is interested in more than just friendship.
On the other hand, if he only ever touches your cheek when he hugs you and doesn’t show any other signs that he likes you, he either sees you as just a friend or is very shy.
Related – What it really means when a married man hugs you tight or hugs you goodbye.
So, Do You Touch Cheeks When You Hug? if So, Why Do You Do It?
I’m curious to know whether or not you touch cheeks when you hug, and if so, why you do it.
Do you think it’s a romantic gesture? Or is it just something you do with friends and family?
Or maybe there is a certain someone who does it to you and you’re trying to figure out what their intentions are?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Image credits – Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.