TO HUG OR NOT TO HUG (from FAR)
Have hugs replaced handshakes as the greeting of choice? Since 2006, hugs have become increasingly popular, with President Barack Obama and his family leading the way. Does this mean that you should be giving new clients a big bear hug after signing the contract? Maybe. But if you go this route, be careful. Time magazine divides public hugs into three types. They are: Full frontal: Total body, heart-felt embrace for friends and family. Conservative: No contact below the shoulders. It's reserved for the office and bad dates. Hip-Hop Hug: The manly hug. Shake hands with the right and hug with the left. Need more? Give him two slaps on the back.
The Japanese have it right. Bowing eliminates the need to touch anyone you don't really know and won't make you sick with someone else's flu bug.
On the other hand, hugs can be very rewarding and make you feel better in just seconds!
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." George Carlin
