When it comes to communication, we’re not all alike. Some of us prefer words, while others lean into action. Like those who crave hugs more often than words, expressing what they feel through touch.

Those huggers, they carry certain emotional traits. Traits that speak louder than words, you can say. It’s as if a hug is their emotional lexicon, expressing volumes about their inherent personality.

Today, we will reveal the 8 emotional traits often carried by people who, you guessed it, crave hugs more than words. For all the ‘huggers’ out there, this is for you.

1) Empathetic

Time and time again, I’ve seen this trait in those who are more inclined to physical connection – empathy.

People who crave hugs more than words seem to have this extra sensitivity towards the emotional states of others. Empathy, in its nature, is the ability to understand and share the feelings of someone else.

And those who prefer to express themselves through hugs are often those who ‘feel’ more profoundly and readily sense the emotional undercurrents in another person.

In other words, a hug, to them, is more than just a physical gesture. It’s a channel for them to communicate understanding, compassion, and solidarity. They believe in the healing power of a tight, comforting squeeze over a thousand words.

The fact that they choose to hug, often signifies their inherent empathetic nature. So, don’t be surprised if your friend who prefers hugging over talking is incredibly tuned into the emotions of those around them.

2) Expressive

Let me tell you about my friend Jane, a human octopus of affection, who fits this description to a tee. Always the first to wrap into a warm embrace, over any kind of verbal consolation.

Jane is expressive in her emotions, just not always through words. It’s her hugs that tell you she’s genuinely pleased to see you, or when she senses you’re under the weather, her squeezing hold tells you, “I’m here for you.”

I see it in her eyes when she gives a hug. It’s as if she’s conveying everything she feels in that moment. It’s remarkable and quite moving, to be honest.

So, people who crave hugs more than words, like Jane, are often very expressive. They elevate a simple act of a hug into a speechless conversation of emotions. It’s just their way to unzip and let their feelings pour out—proof that one doesn’t always need words to communicate effectively.

3) Affectionate

Turns out, there’s a whole science linked to the natural craving for hugs, and it’s intertwined with the hormone Oxytocin often dubbed as the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone”.

Produced in the brain’s hypothalamus, Oxytocin plays a substantial role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and during and after childbirth. More interestingly, it also sparks up when people cuddle or bond socially.

People who crave hugs more than words have a higher tendency to seek and give affection. Their active Oxytocin levels make them generally more friendly to others, more trusting, and more devoted to relationships.

In other words, if someone leans more towards hugging as their preferred mode of connection, it’s likely they’re an affectionate individual by nature. They perceive the world through the lens of love and tenderness, leaving no room for doubt about their love language being physical touch.

4) Authentic

There’s something refreshingly genuine about people who prefer hugs to words. They don’t believe in hiding behind a mask of words, creating a façade with eloquent speeches. Instead, they allow their actions to speak true.

They express their emotions in an honest, heartfelt way, and this authenticity draws people to them. A simple, sincere hug can do what several well-constructed sentences might not always achieve.

It’s not surprising then, to find that individuals who opt for hugs instead of words are authentic personalities. They wear their heart on their sleeve, or more aptly in their hugs, proving that authenticity is not always wrapped up in words.

5) Reassuring

There is an overwhelming sense of comfort and safety in a hug. Especially, when words fail us in our moments of sorrow or joy, a hug reassures us that we’re not alone, and that it’s okay to feel what we’re feeling.

People who reach out to hug more tend to wear this trait on their sleeve, the trait of being reassuring. They are like quiet pillars offering solace, comfort, always ready to envelop you in a cocoon of warmth when you need it the most.

Their hugs serve as quiet reassurances, communicating more about their support and care than any number of comforting words could. These beautiful souls understand that sometimes, a soothing touch can mend hearts and reassure souls in a way that most profound words can’t.

6) Intuitive

There was this one time when I had a complete emotional meltdown. No particular reason, just one of those days. My brother, nowhere near being a ‘talker’ or a ‘comforter’, walked in on me sobbing.

He didn’t ask anything, didn’t say anything. He simply wrapped me into a bone-crushing hug. I remember feeling surprised, but in that moment, his hug silenced my sobs. It calmed me, offered me consolation that words could not.

That’s when I realized these ‘huggers’ are incredibly intuitive. They just seem to know when to substitute words with a warm embrace. It’s like they instinctively understand whether the situation calls for a verbal response or a comforting hug. They navigate this invisible, emotional map with precision, knowing just when to extend their arms for a bear hug.

7) Communicative

It’s honestly a myth that quieter individuals aren’t great communicators. While they might not use as many words, people who prefer hugs often know how to get their point across just as effectively.

These individuals use their physical actions, specifically their hugs, to convey their emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Whether to say “I’m happy for you,” “I’m here for you,” “I love you,” or “I’ll miss you,” their hugs sent these messages loud and clear.

So don’t be fooled by their less-than-verbose tendencies. They know how to communicate – it’s just their method is more hands-on than most. They’re a perfect testament to the age-old saying, “actions speak louder than words.”

8) Genuinely caring

This might seem evident, but it’s worth highlighting. People who prefer hugging over words are often deeply caring individuals. Their actions are driven by their concern for the well-being of those around them. Instead of expressing their care through words, they choose to do it through a more personal and profound method – a hug.

A hug from these individuals is like a visual and physical manifestation of their inner care and love. They don’t just say they care; they show it. Every hug from them is an act of motivation, a source of strength, and a gesture of their genuine care. Their hugs act as the bridges, connecting hearts and relaying the unsaid messages of love and concern.

In conclusion: The just-right touch

The simplicity of a hug often conceals its profound complexity. It not just a physical interaction, but a vital emotional dialogue.

For the individuals who prefer hugs over words, it’s much more than an act of close contact. It’s their lexicon, their safe haven, their genuine display of empathy, affection, and care.

More interestingly, science backs the therapeutic power of a warm hug. Psychologists point out that hugs stimulate our brains to release a hormone called the “Oxytocin” — the very one that fuels bonding & connection and reduces fear—a direct response to the human need for social bonding and attachment.

Meaning, when individuals choose to hug over verbal debates, it might just be their natural approach to express and bond—something their brain chemistry and personality traits synergize with.

Much to reflect, next time when we meet a hug-loving friend, perhaps instead of a casual hello, we could give them a returned hug, embracing their unique way of expressing love and care.