Shake hands or hug? Awkward. Even more so, the kissers.

Sounds like your mind is on all the family gatherings this holiday, lucky you. Just go with the flow and enjoy.

Thanks for taking the time to post this ... excellent information

This is so true! Huggers and kissers need to realize they make people uncomfortable. I always go for the handshake first unless it's a close relative. My dad has 2 friends that ALWAYS try to kiss me and it freaked me out as a young lady.  I have accepted one good friend now, and know that's his way. But when I go to hug him I turn away and give him a whole cheek. 

Heath,

Do what works for you.  Be yourself.

Heath- This is definitely one of the more awkward parts of the holidays. Sometimes you can try to hang back a little bit to see if they extend their hand or their arms for a hug. Otherwise, I'm with Tony-- just be yourself! Good luck!

I'm a big sports fan so I've tried the "fist bump" that baseball players do. Guys like it but the ladies think it's odd. You could also do the "chest bump" that I've seen NBA players do, but be careful who you do it with.

Hi Heath - I've been caught in some of those awkward situations, too, and some of them you just don't see coming at all.  I just go with the flow, and if there are bumps and grazes, you just have to have a laugh about it.  Most likely, if it's awkward for you, it's awkward to the other person, too, and a smile and/or a chuckle when it happens is enough to break the ice and make everyone feel okay.

Ann

Happy Holidays. It does not matter much when dealing with family. It is difficult when dealing with clients. It is a good idea to learn about different cultures.

This is a a cute post.  The last Ultimate fighter series had a fighter in the house they called "The Hugger"...well u can just imagine in a bunch of tough MMA guys what that was like....BUT...

They all accepted him and called him the guy that everyone likes, one of those guys u can't help but like.  When it came time to fight the hugger and the other fighter didn't tap gloves they hugged:-)

I am definately a hugger.  But I tell them when they extend their hands that I am a hugger and most of them don't mind.  I have a warm caring personality so they probably knew it before hand anyways.  I even hug the kids so they feel important too.  They love it

Heath - You have to play that one by ear.  Hug the "huggers," kiss the "kissers," and shake hands with the "shakers."  Feel the "force;" you'll know what to do!

I am not so introverted and I love my family so Im a kisser as well. Its hard to know what to do with different people. But hug the world if you can!

Heath - this is a GREEEAT blog! Thank you for posting this, as it is almost ALWAYS a topic; especially in our business. Your post had me rolling with laughter -- and everyone's comments were great to read, too! Let's see if we can help clear it up for you .... and others:)

But first, have you ever heard of the book by Terri Morrison, Wayne A. Conaway & George A. Borden titled: Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands (How to Do Business in Sixty Countries) - phenomenal book! You should definitely pick up a copy next time you're at Barnes & Noble, or Borders etc.

So, if you can't already tell by the enthusiasm oozing from my response ... I'm a HUGGER! ha! Actually, all the above, really. Born & raised in Hawai'i (Maui No Ka Oi) I usually greet with a hug & kiss on the cheek. Granted it's a teeny-tiny kiss, probably more of a peck - there are definitely rules!

Although knowing who should receive what is most likely a gift - or just learned over time - all should note the following;)

Shaking Hands - I think it was Donald Trump who said he doesn't shake hands anymore. Something about cleanliness? Yikes. Now I don't especially like shaking hands, however it's always a great default since you can't really go wrong ... But Please no death grips or masculinity contests. It hurts! Don't be lifeless & forget why our hands are connecting in the first place, though. Shaking hands shouldn't be difficult (although it's clearly impossible for some), Just stick with the medium squeeze: firm, but not proving;)

Huggers - The huggers out there usually know whether or not they should pursue with a hug or not but if you're not a hugger and are regardless about to get clobbered - just take it (!!) ..keep your arms to the side & if you're still standing, feel free to swing one or both arms around ... We're fans of the one arm hug; semi non-invasive, but still affectionate;)

Kissers - I can't imagine giving a Client I'm just meeting for the first time a full on kiss on the cheek - however friends, family, acquaintances, & all the Clients I've known forever (or feel like have!) get some cheek to cheek action. Important rule I wish everyone knew is the Kisser always turns Left - it will always be right cheek to right cheek if this manuver is about to take place! And when in doubt - as if you were dancing in one of the grocery isles, just pick a side and sick with it!!

Hilarious topic; props to Heath for bringing up those awkward moments, too - have had many of those and learned a lot living on the mainland. Like Amanda mentioned (sorta) Gotta be careful for the creepsters;)

 Hope our attempt to 'help' through a little humor works out for those future encounters!!

Pederson Properties

It depends on who it is. No one I know is a kisser. Hugs are either with female family or with my "sweet little ol' lady" Clients. All else get a cordial handshake.