In honor of National Hug Day, I’ve compiled twenty cute things that are too irresistible for their own good. The midpoint between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, National Hug Day is a time for you to show a little love by giving hugs to whomever you want, wherever you want. Research shows that human contact, such as hugging, is crucial for healthy physical and emotional development.  I don’t know about you, but I’m using this as an excuse to hug that cute guy from English class.

Check out these twenty cute pictures and “aw” with your friends:

Ashley is a freshman at George Washington University and she’s majoring in Overanalyzing Situations and International Affairs. Follow her on twitter @ashleybrooks25

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To lose a few lb’s.

Family therapist Virginia Satir theorized we need 4 hugs a day to survive and 8 to 12 to thrive. Chances are most of our hug quotas aren’t up to par (let alone thriving). So how are we dealing with this lack of affection? Theories suggest being touch-deprived can translate into self-nurture – one being overeating.

According to WebMD, 75% of overeating is caused by emotions. We try to control our feelings by filling the void with indulgent goodies. So, if the theory is true, more hugs could possibly mean a slimmer waistline.

Besides, a possible factor to melt away some body fat, hugging has other benefits too. Increasing your daily hug intake can dramatically lower blood pressure and each hug boosts blood levels of oxytocin (a relaxing hormone).

Before you become a serial hugger, take a look at our hug tips to get the most out of your public displays of affections.

• Generally hug friends and people you know – After all, we’re not looking for stalkers.

• Don’t make hugs sexual – Make them say, “I care” instead.

• A nurturing hug lasts at least 5 to 10 seconds – That’s 5 times the length of the usual hug.

• And lastly, you can’t take a hug, only give them.