A hug is a way of showing affection to family members and friends. However, it should be noted that not all cultures look at hugs the same way.
Hugging can be a very natural thing for some people, but for others, they may see hugging as an invasion of their personal space. In the United States, hugging is a typical gesture when greeting or saying goodbye to people. This can even be extended to acquaintances and strangers depending on the situation. In France, however, hugging is reserved only for lovers and immediate family members, such as parents and children. The French usually kiss each other on the cheeks or shake hands.