How Do You Greet People?

[CapnAwesome]

I'm curious how you (yes, you) greet friends and acquaintances.
A handshake? Hug? Kiss on both (face) cheeks? A piercing, thousand meter stare? Look at the floor and no eye contact? Awkward giggles? Do you greet men vs. women differently?

My family was very hands-off while I was growing up so hugging or any physical contact was verboten. Then I moved to California, with lots of different cultures and attitudes. Now I do lot more hugging when greeting friends, acquaintances and even business associates. But I try to read body language before I go in for the kill.
It takes awhile to get settled into parties with my Latino friends with all the hugging and handshaking upon arrival, which I love.

But occasionally, just when I think I have it all figured out, I meet someone new and end up in an awkward situation.

So how do you greet people?

-Teresa

With men I give a handshake. With women I kiss the back of the hand and bow.