Why do some people say they want to hug you but end up patting your arm instead?

 At the point when certain individuals say they need to embrace you however wind up tapping your arm all things being equal, it very well may be because of a few reasons:

1. **Comfort Level**: The individual might feel more OK with actual contact like tapping on the arm as opposed to a full embrace.

2. **Cultural Differences**: In certain societies, tapping on the arm or shoulder is a typical type of warmth or consolation, though embracing may not be as predominant or suitable.

3. **Personal Boundaries**: The individual might have individual limits that make them hesitant to participate in a full embrace, selecting rather for a lighter type of touch like tapping.

4. **Communication Style**: A few people might communicate their feelings or care through signals like tapping, which they track down simpler or more normal than embracing.

5. **Accidental Gesture**: It could just be an unconstrained motion, where the individual planned to embrace however adjusted their perspective without a second to spare, bringing about a pat on the arm all things considered.

6. **Physical Space**: The specific situation or climate may likewise assume a part. For instance, in a swarmed or formal setting, a pat on the arm might be more functional than a full embrace.

In outline, the error between verbal articulation and actual activity could originate from variables, for example, solace levels, social standards, individual limits, correspondence styles, situational setting, and individual immediacy.