A firm, hearty handshake is always an appropriate way for men to greet each other. But when men achieve a greater familiarity, a man hug becomes appropriate. Some men fear male on male hugging of any kind. But done in an appropriate way, men can still hug while remaining secure in their manhood. Here’s how:

Those were excellent tips. Unfortunately, not all men are well-versed in proper man hug protocol. These are the sad results:

Too much of a snuggle.

Make sure your hug will be reciprocated

Umm…. no.

As a final note, some men, especially here in America, are not quite comfortable with the fully embracing style of hugging even when done correctly. Thankfully there is a bridge between the handshake and the bear hug: the American man hug. With the American man hug comes certain protocol and procedure that men haven’t articulated, but nonetheless follow. These unspoken rules allow men to hug each other without feeling like they’re being wussy.

The How of the American Man Hug

1. Begin with a traditional firm handshake

2. Keeping your hand clasped with your buddy, wrap the left arm around the shoulder of your friend.

3. Slap your friend’s back two times. The back slap is key. Somehow hitting your fellow man makes the hug more manly.

4. Release embrace.

When to American Man Hug

Man hugging is not appropriate with every man you come in contact with. It carries with it a certain intimacy that should be reserved for close friends and family. If you were to try to man hug a new acquaintance, you would probably be greeted with stiff awkwardness. However, if you’ve developed a bond after your initial introduction, a goodbye hug may be appropriate upon parting.

Special occasions like those mentioned in the video warrant the full man hug. The American man hug is appropriate for greetings and partings

Editors note: We’ve been getting a lot of comments saying the photo of John McCain is tasteless because the man can’t lift his arms because of his injuries he sustained as a prisoner of war. First, it’s not the arm so much that makes this hug bad, it’s the fact that you can tell the timing was off and that McCain is sort of nuzzling Bush in the chest. Second, while we understand Senator McCain has limited mobility in his arms, the man can lift his arms higher than he did in the picture as seen here, here, here, and here. So, he could have given a better hug than the one in the picture. 

a note and video from KRS-One

www.stvmovement.org

The Stop the Violence Movement We are in a state of emergency - school shootings, nooses being hung from trees, domestic violence, gang violence, police misconduct, brutality and war. In the midst of mass turmoil we cannot afford to stand still. We must use our influence to raise awareness, heal and move toward truth and solutions. We are going to make a change. We are going to build a brighter future. Be part of it. Apathy is no longer an option. Let's stop the violence.

Peace,

KRS-ONE