Hugging. Hugging someone else does not constitute cheating in and of itself. Hugging is a natural human behavior that aids in the formation of ties with those who are important to us. At its most fundamental, it is something you should be able to do with anyone you choose. There are times when it is appropriate to hug one person and not another. For example, if you have just met someone new, it would be inappropriate to hug them before they know you well enough. Hugs can also be used as a form of communication. When you hug someone, you show them that you care about them and want to connect with them. This is why people often say that hugs are necessary for survival: without them, we would be unable to function properly in society. So, yes, hugging someone else than your partner is cheating. Even if it is only temporary, it is still cheating because you both intend for it to be more than just a hug. You should only hug others out of respect and admiration for them as a friend or colleague. If you find yourself hugging someone who doesn't return the hug, stop immediately and find another way to show them how much you care about them.