You don’t need to swap saliva or stare into someone’s eyes to get a read on how they feel about you. Sometimes, a hug says more than a first date ever could.

A new study out of MSH Medical School Hamburg in Germany suggests that the biggest giveaway in relationships isn’t how people talk, kiss, or text—it’s how long they’re willing to hold each other.

Researchers asked 60 people—some friends, some romantic partners—to walk toward one another and hug repeatedly while 14 high-speed cameras captured every angle of each embrace. Advanced AI then analyzed the footage, measuring hug length and subtle body positions.

What stood out most was timing. Romantic partners hugged for an average of 7.02 seconds. Friends? Just 2.88. That gap was statistically significant. “Less than three seconds? You

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