Much like soft pr0n and a rascal flat, I'm not sure that one can truly define a "good hug" or quantify its quality. It's sole goodness derived from the very experience of it. You just know it when you see it.
I know a woman who gives the best hugs ever. The reason being? Quite simply they feel so genuine like she's truly happy to be giving you a hug. You always feel better after receiving a hug from her. She's also the type of person who doesn't go around hugging random people, but if she knows and loves you, she's giving a lot of herself and wants you to know that you are appreciated.
That's what I think makes a good hugger a good hugger. Their method for transferring sincerity comes through their hugs. Now this could very well depend on who's telling you that you give good hugs and their own personal desires. Perhaps you give good boob hugs and guys love those. But I'll assume it's just that you're goodness shines thru via hugs.
Be happy about this and go forth and share good hugs ye huggalicious one.
Thank you for being a friend.
On the flipside, there's nothing worse than a half-assed hug.
I'm with you on this. ;)
For me, a good hug seems to be a mark of care. It could be for any of your friends whom you care about. I don't see anything serious or bad about it
My girlfriend tells me that it was my hugs that won her over initially... full body hugs where I wrap both my arms completely around her and actually hold her. If I like you then that's the kind of hug you get from me. If I feel the hug is forced I tend to lean in and not really make a whole lot of contact. If I don't like you much at all but you still insist on hugging me, then expect to get the one-armed, leaning in shoulder pat more than anything that is really a hug.
The best hugs are when someone holds you tight for a few seconds like they really mean it and make sure to smile at you afterwards. Like they really mean it and aren't afraid of giving a full on hug. There's nothing worse than a one-armed half hug from someone you're expecting a real hug from. It just brightens up your day when someone means it :)
My sister gives the best hugs! It's like she melts into you; it's awesome! She's also the type of person who only hugs people she's very close to, so she's able to put all of her love into her hugs.
Some people just have a good huggable body; not to bony, not too muscular, but not pudgy to the point where their fat encases you. Some people's hugs are good because of their emotional input to the physical act of hugging. :P