Hug or handshake?

• Posted in General musings

Went to my cousin’s wedding reception this weekend. (Just the reception, she actually got married in Hawaii the week before.) Very nice reception. Great food. Good atmosphere. Awesome wedding cake (almond and other flavored layers with raspberry glaze).

And lots of relatives there. Lots and lots of cousins. Seriously, like 30 of them.

I never know whether to hug people or not at these things, even if I am related to them. Some folks I’m really close to (like the cousin who got married and her family). They automatically get hugs. No problem, no awkwardness there.

But other cousins, I haven’t seen in years and years. What to do? Brief hug? Brief handshake? Is there some sort of rule that says you have to hug your relatives?

The same thing goes for book signings. I never know whether to shake people’s hands or not. Usually, I’m sitting down when people come up, which means I always have to look up at them. Most of the time I stand up so I’m eye-to-eye with folks. But still, it makes me feel awkward.

Maybe I should invest in my own stool that I can perch on and be on the level with folks all the time. Or just buy one of those Emily Post manners books to help me know what to do in all these tricky situations.

What about you? Do you ever experience social awkwardness? Inquiring minds want to know …

3 Responses to “Hug or handshake?”

  1. Edie says:

    My family hugs, and we always say “I love you” at the end of phone calls. I feel awkward hugging friends sometimes, though. I think it depends. LOL Not much help, am I?

    And I’m so short, I look up to everyone, sitting or not!

  2. Chasity says:

    For me it depends on the situation. I am NOT a huggy person. My grandparents always warrant a hug, my mom, not so much. My dad isn’t a huggy person either, so that’s not too big of a deal. As for extended family, I only hug if they attempt the hug first. Most of them know I don’t like my personal space invaded, so they don’t even attempt it. As for other social events, nah, no hugging from me, unless 1.) I know the other person really well, 2.) they sneak one in.

    I don’t think that helps you much, but that’s my 2 cents.

  3. Jennifer Estep says:

    Edie, you’re not alone. I always tell my mom and grandma I love then whenever I see them. 🙂

    Chasity, I’m not much of a hugger either, and I never give a good handshake. I guess it just depends on the person I’m talking to — and how much I like them. 😀

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