Holiday Hugs or Handshakes?
December 22, 2012 1:26 PM 
I don’t exactly remember when hugs rather than handshakes became the predominant form of greeting to anyone except close family members and maybe a friend or two but the “hello hug” has reached epidemic proportions. I, myself, find the “hello hug” awkward and do whatever I can–hold a drink in my hand, wave to a non-existant person across the room etc–to avoid it. Before you attend any holiday get togethers take a look at some hugging etiquette compliments of Jacqueline Whitmore.
Always respect another person’s space. An individual’s family background, culture, age and gender play a major role in the acceptance or displeasure of a hug. Usually, like a kiss, you can tell from a person’s body language if they would be willing to receive a hug or not.
Follow the three-second rule. Keep the hug short and avoid placing your arm too low around the other person. Longer hugs have a certain connotation and could have negative repercussions if a co-worker’s spouse or significant other is present.
Avoid Awkward Moments. If you are with a group of people and you know some people better than others, give your new acquaintances a handshake first and then follow with hugs for those you know well. Therefore, you won’t have to guess if your new acquaintances are pro-huggers or anti-huggers. Always be considerate of other’s boundaries
via The Dos and Don’ts of Hugging Etiquette | Jacqueline Whitmore.
For a more in depth look at hugging etiquette click here.
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