since when did it become normal to greet strangers with a hug and not a proper handshake?

Good question I never really thought about it like that. But having lived all over the world and on both east cost and west coast in the US. I can tell that East Coast Americans are the most uptight people in the world...or that I have yet to meet. But when did it become accpetable to greet strangers with a hug? I did'nt realize it was. But I would say if hugging a stranger makes you uncomforatable simply back off, and offer a hand shake instead.

Hmm... You must live in the southwest USA. Hugging as a greeting is a latino way of greeting whilst hand shaking is germanic. Don't worry it that makes you seem a bit frigid to outsiders though: the Japanese were baffled that we would even touch physical bodies at all as their greeting is a bow.

I learned the hard way, however, that the perfunctory kiss on the cheeks is not an actual kiss ON, but a kiss AT the cheeks. So even latin culture is not as cozy as it seems... Otherwise, guys might get the wrong idea...

since when was this? i only know that when I'm with Hispanics and introduced to each other then its the hug n kiss on cheek thing out of humility, but in all the other cultures it's basically a handshake. and the handshake is better if you are complete strangers

I really don't mind it much, though when people hug me it's usually after we've talked for at least five minutes...

I don't see what the problem would be. If you don't want the hug, just stick your hand out for a handshake in a preemptive move.

I think the hugging thing started as an overreaction to avoiding touching people who might have AIDS, because I never noticed the practice untill the late-80s.

It's bogus; hugs should be reserved for close relationships.

It depends of what culture you are from. Handshakes were essentially a way of showing you had no weapon it your hand and were sincere in meeting in peace. Hugs I believe are made to make you feel comfortable...Hawiian's hug strangers.

Oh, I'm SO GLAD I'm not the only one. It's like living in Paris. You can't go 10 yards without somebody cuddling you or trying to stick their tongue down your throat.

I AM ENGLISH. A polite handshake and "How do you do" is more than enough for anybody.

the word "strangers" is the key -- hugging is only proper when dealing

with strangers from another culture (let them initiate it to be sure)

when in doubt, hang in there with a handshake

There is proper protocol with different peoples of different cultures. Us westerners frown on too much touching because it is bizarre to us.. we're not used to trusting each other.. Other cultures who are more social, friendly and hospitable are relatively akin to respectable embracing etc.. It's kind of nice to not always be "on guard" against the whole world of humans. Not everyone is disgusting and dirty. Just stay away from those that are. :)

Yes. I'm not a huge touch-feely person, a hug once in awhile is nice. But as a greeting from someone I don't know - that's pretty foreign.