To be absolutely honest with you, I am a hugger! I love hugging. I'm not a big kisser, though. It always gets awkward, doesn't it? One kiss? Two kisses? Three kisses? Nah, not my cup of tea. It always results in awkward hesitation and bumping as you try to guess how many kisses are required.
People I have never met before or when it comes to business meetings I give them my hand - not to kiss but to shake. I read that back in the days it was a sign that you were unarmed.
So, that one is easy. But what do you do when you get to know your business contacts better? A handshake seems too formal, but hugging would be too informal. All I can say is aca-awkward (for those of you who have watched "Perfect Pitch").
The next problem is saying good-bye. First of all, the handshake/ cheek-kissing/ hugging-issue again. Second of all, you affirm each other that you have to see each other again soon/ that you had a very lovely time/ that you should do this more often. Then the Thanks again/ Oh no, my pleasure-rule which leads to we have to see each other again soon/ I had a very lovely time/ we should do this more often. And ten minutes are easily over.
Another greeting I should mention is the high-five. A friend of mine has a great first date story where the guy high-fived her in the end. And I went to a party the other night where the bartender high-fived me when I wanted to order a drink. What does this greeting mean? Is that the American way of awkward greetings?
Well, I think I should go now. It's late and I need a cup of tea. So, err, that was lovely. We should do this more often. Bye!
