Hug or handshake? The problem is that when you run into someone, you usually don’t have a lot of time to make the decision. Giving a handshake when someone wants a hug makes you look cold. To go in for a bear hug when someone wants to shake hands makes you seem overzealous. 

This can especially be a problem in work situations. In some industries, a hug is a genuine way to show affection for a coworker, whereas in others, it’s extremely inappropriate. The greeting conundrum also changes depending on which coast you live on. People in Los Angeles are a lot huggier than those in New York City.

When to give a hug or a handshake?

Blanca Cobb, a body language and human behavior expert in Greensboro, N.C., says that instead of being mind readers, we choose the right greeting ourselves. It’s best to telegraph what you plan to do at the appropriate distance........

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