Written by Kim | 18 June 2009
Posted in Communication

There are a myriad of greetings present in society. An awkward encounter that happens somewhat frequently is when I lean in for a "kiss on the cheek" greeting while the other throws out a hug and we both end up meeting lip to lip.  How do you react?  My reaction varies depending on the person and their relationship to me.  Usually I laugh and continue on with our interaction or I'll joke either with "yummy!" or "scary."  Sometimes it's an "oops!" if the relationship is fairly new or stiff.

What about the hello hug to a group of people where most everyone is a cherished friend but a couple people are just acquaintances?  Do you hug everyone?  Do you hug who ignites that response and merely shake the others' hands?  Or better yet, hug the close ones with warmth and enthusiasm and hug the fairly new guys with a weird slightly awkward and stiff hug?  

I've done them all.  In the moment a conscious decision usually escapes me and my body just does.  In fact, maybe what's more important is the recovery.  Staying relaxed and enjoying yourself is the key.  If it happens to you I encourage you to not stress.  For those receiving the awkward "kiss" or "hug" it's best for all not to make up a story on how that person "likes" or "dislikes" you.

To me this kind of stuff makes life interesting and unpredictable.  Don't let these things keep you from getting out there and connecting to your fellow human beings.