Greeting each other (split topic)

[Girl from Celebes 588]

I like everything here except...I have to hugs males. In my country, friends with opposite sex just shaking hands without touching bodies. Women are hugging and kiss on cheeks. But not for men. One time, I went to military party and one of my husband's friends came to us.

As usual, I gave my hands and suddenly he said, " hey, it is not how people are greeting each other here". He then hugged me and I was astonished and freeze. I don't hug strangers especially if they are males. That's all my complain and my husband understood my unpleasant feeling.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I like everything here except...I have to hugs males. In my country, friends with opposite sex just shaking hands without touching bodies. Women are hugging and kiss on cheeks. But not for men. One time, I went to military party and one of my husband's friends came to us.

As usual, I gave my hands and suddenly he said, " hey, it is not how people are greeting each other here". He then hugged me and I was astonished and freeze. I don't hug strangers especially if they are males. That's all my complain and my husband understood my unpleasant feeling.

You don't have to hug people. I would not want to hug someone I just met. I would think someone who wanted to hug me when we are being introduced was creepy. You could try to figure out a way to get out of it gracefully, or be more forceful with a handshake, like "here is my hand and that is what you get," but I wouldn't agree with this weirdo that "everyone hugs in the US." No Good luck.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

I got so used to the non-handshaking, non-embracing Korean style that I came back and still hesitate to shake people's hands. It makes for some wonderfully awkward introductions.

It always nerves wrecking whenever my husband and I had to go some places and thinking what should I do if embracing style has to be happen. Most of times, I talked to women. But there were fewer men came and say," hi," to us. I don't want people thinking that I am an arrogant person but on the other side I just can't hugs men especially if they are strangers - I called them strangers because they are not my friends-.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

You don't have to hug people. I would not want to hug someone I just met. I would think someone who wanted to hug me when we are being introduced was creepy. You could try to figure out a way to get out of it gracefully, or be more forceful with a handshake, like "here is my hand and that is what you get," but I wouldn't agree with this weirdo that "everyone hugs in the US." No Good luck.

Actually, we met a few times and I always gave him handshaking. But at that time he came to our table and greeted my husband and shaking his hands. When I was trying to give him handshaking as well he then suddenly said that is not how people in America greet each other.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Actually, we met a few times and I always gave him handshaking. But at that time he came to our table and greeted my husband and shaking his hands. When I was trying to give him handshaking as well he then suddenly said that is not how people in America greet each other.

That is so rude, forcing it on your like that, under the guise of "cultural differences!" Sorry Now to stop it he makes you be confrontational.

But you don't have to do anything you don't want.

[Novembro 1,763]

It always nerves wrecking whenever my husband and I had to go some places and thinking what should I do if embracing style has to be happen. Most of times, I talked to women. But there were fewer men came and say," hi," to us. I don't want people thinking that I am an arrogant person but on the other side I just can't hugs men especially if they are strangers - I called them strangers because they are not my friends-.

Don't feel like you have to hug anyone! Just be friendly and open and you'll be good to go.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

That is so rude, forcing it on your like that, under the guise of "cultural differences!" Sorry Now to stop it he makes you be confrontational.

But you don't have to do anything you don't want.

Yes, I agreed. I am working on that with my husband how to deal such things without make any of people are being feel offended.

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Don't feel like you have to hug anyone! Just be friendly and open and you'll be good to go.

I guess need to choose words wisely and talk about my cultural things openly in nice way.

[ricnally 258]

Actually, we met a few times and I always gave him handshaking. But at that time he came to our table and greeted my husband and shaking his hands. When I was trying to give him handshaking as well he then suddenly said that is not how people in America greet each other.

Sounds kinda pervy.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

I guess need to choose words wisely and talk about my cultural things openly in nice way.

Next time, bring a cub with you. He is just trying to get fresh with you, nothing to do with culture BS.

I never feel the need to hug anyone here in US, except for my MIL and close family/friends.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

We should start a thread to discuss the best tactic.

Pretend you have a cold all the time? Run and get a drink and wave from afar?

You shouldn't be forced to open up to him and tell him your life's secrets and you don't owe him an explanation

[Novembro 1,763]

"Best Ways to Avoid Human Contact Thread"

[GandD 5,966]

"Best Ways to Avoid Human Contact Thread"

And awkward small talk. Don't ask me what I'm doing today, give me my frickin' coffee dude.

[Texasav8r 183]

I like everything here except...I have to hugs males. In my country, friends with opposite sex just shaking hands without touching bodies. Women are hugging and kiss on cheeks. But not for men. One time, I went to military party and one of my husband's friends came to us.

As usual, I gave my hands and suddenly he said, " hey, it is not how people are greeting each other here". He then hugged me and I was astonished and freeze. I don't hug strangers especially if they are males. That's all my complain and my husband understood my unpleasant feeling.

Yeah...um, no. That is not how we greet people here. After becoming friends or familiar with each other, sometimes. I will hug only if the woman offers to hug first so as not to embarrass her. It is interesting how cultures vary around the world and it is a joy to travel and learn them.

P.S. One of the differences...if that guy had done that in Russia, her boyfriend or husband would probably have punched him in the face. I am not saying that is cool..but it is reflective of the differences.

[Ryan H 3,791]

Posts split into separate thread as they are unrelated to the situation of the OP of the other thread and only detracted from that discussion.