Is hugging an intimate experience for anyone else?

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I am not sure if this is in the right place. I consider hugging a very intimate thing like kissing. I know most people are OK with hugging anyone, but for me it is more like a "lovers embrace". I was wondering if this is an autism thing.

More like, I don't know how to interpret it. Is this a friendly hug? A consoling hug? A How ya been, buddy whack on the shoulders? A lover's embrace? A sneak attack grab from one of your college buddies? One of those oppressive squeezes your older female relatives give you at family reunions, leaving a reeking trail of perfume on you? (aieeee! run!)

There are all these different interpretations and expectations of hugs. The worst is the person who doesn't let me know they're coming (get away, Aunt Doris!). I either get stiff as a board, or swing my arms out and accidentally whack them.

I really dislike hugging, unless I'm hugging a child or romantic partner. Or a pet. Otherwise it feels very uncomfortable and even threatening. Perhaps because it does feel intimate. However, I have tactile sensory issues and dislike kissing. So perhaps the tactile sensitivity is partly to blame.

Like moment of deep bonding to me. The only people I ever let really hug me are my mom, dad and cousin.

When we are out someplace like in line at fast food, usually my dad or cousin hug me from behind which makes me feel protected.

I would only hug a romantic partner.

I guess, I dunno. I don't initiate hugs and have never really comfortable getting them, I remember as a kid my dad would always comment on how tense I felt so I imagine it goes way back.

I think I have issues with hugging or kiss on cheeks formalities.

Yes it may cause sensory overload and I be shocked if I am touched unexpectedly.

But I think its a matter of getting used to it.

I used to hug all of my friends back in primary school. I don't do it anymore, probably because I have matured. It was quite fun though

It is usually uncomfortable by varying degrees

^ Every time I see your username, I hear Michael Jackson's "Another part of me" in my head.

The only hugs I like are from close family members romantic partner. Like, immediate family/wife only. I really cringe when people do the hug and greet. It's much worse when they do the kiss thing too.