Ladies: I feel uncomfortable just giving you a handshake as a greeting?

Question

I dunno how big a problem that is or not, but I'll try to explain.
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To me a handshake is for business, and maybe when you've just met someone. Men generally don't hug one-another, but I hug my best friend.
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Usually I'd give a woman a hug and a kiss somewhere neutral, such as a hand, cheek or forehead.
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This is of course if it was ok w/ her, and I wouldn't get in trouble for it.
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What are your feelings about this?

Answer 1

I am Italian decent and it is customary to greet everyone ..people we know or just met with a kiss...I normally give a kiss on each cheek (your face of course) and a quick hug.. longer for people I have met before or know..I do this equally to men and women....It just means glad to meet you (or see you) and I think everyone understands..I am not comfortable shaking hands as you say except for business ...however I do watch the body language as I approach a person and if I see them back off ...then I will just shake their hands instead.. not often but some people are not comfortable with you entering their space Even for a second to say hello... greetings with a kiss and hug are so much warmer ..so you keep at it ..I Love a good greeting ..!!

Answer 2

In many countries around the world a handshake is considered a standard greeting and a way to say goodbye in some cultures. Hugs, are also acceptable in some cultures for the same thing ... As long as you have nothing to do with anyone who is not a part of your click then you will more than likely not have a problem. However, this eventuality is surely not to come to pass as the world is a mixing bowl of different cultures and ethnicities so you have two options, 1) seek help for what seems to be a phobia of sorts or 2) be a part of the human race and enjoy the diversity ... Good Luck ...

Answer 3

If you are both single a handshake upon introduction is appropriate. Subsequent to that a small peck on the cheek or hug may or may not be depending on her feelings about it. An intimate act like that often indicates to others some sort of bond between you. She may not want to give that impression to others.

The traditional rules regarding hand kissing is that it is appropriate to kiss a married woman's hand but inappropriate to kiss a maiden's hand. That said, in those days there was a lot of surreptitious hand kissing going on between bachelors and maidens when no one was looking.

Especially sexy was if the guy kissed her palm. Things sure were different then.

Answer 4

Assuming we are good friends, I have no problem with being greeted by a hug and a kiss. I greet all my close guy (and girl) friends with a hug and a kiss on the cheek (or sometimes just a hug). Frankly, I find it impersonal to greet any good friend with a handshake. Obviously, if we are just acquaintances, then you should stick with a handshake.

Answer 5

I like gentlemanly kisses On the cheek, when it is appropriate. I also enjoy to kiss people on the cheek, however have gotten some weird glances when they are with significant others. In America we are so non-personable that showing signs of affection often come across poorly like you're hitting on someone. I believe you should go with your gut instinct, and try and access quickly what type of person you may be meeting - someone that only wants your handshake or someone that looks open to a friendly kiss. Just make sure the kiss is quick, barley touching ones cheek, don't linger, keep it dry, and don't breathe in all creepy like your smelling her.

Answer 6

By not shaking a woman's hand, you are telling her you don't think she deserves to be in the business world.

Don't freakin' hug her, she doesn't know you. You wouldn't hug a random guy, would you? Don't treat her any differently.

Reallly don't freakin' kiss her. Kisses are either sexual or shared among family and friends who have loved and respect each other for years.

There is no reason you can't shake a woman's hand. You are no better than her. She is no better then you. Treat her as the equal she is, and shake her hand like an adult.

Answer 7

Please don't kiss a woman's hand; it's creepy (at least I think so).

I never mind the cheek kiss (or no kiss but touching the cheek). You could also do a half-hug.

You could also do the handhold, rather than the shake. You know, you take someone's hand and don't shake it. Sometimes followed by patting the top of their hand with your other hand. That's nice.

But I don't consider a handshake as just for business, but it is more formal.

Answer 8

Τhe truth? You do what all women want! Believe even those who are shy like it. It's a very nice , kind and <> way to do it. Sometimes a handshake looks silly but a kiss is always acceptable.

Answer 9

Some women will have a problem hugging or kissing them as a greeting for the first time of meeting them but when you get to know them you should know how to greet them

Answer 10

If you just meet someone for the first time, a hand shake is acceptable.. a hug or kiss for someone you just met isn't. They may be uncomfortable with you if you did that