The man-hug seems to have replaced the traditional handshake in many social situations. You know, this is where two men start with what seems to be a typical handshake with their right hands and then do a semi-embrace/shoulder bump with their left hands/shoulders. I admit, I do it too, but never felt 100% comfortable with it. There seem to be too many awkward times where one guy starts the man-hug and the other doesn't. Then there's those times where one guy prolongs the hug a bit too long. Lastly, there's the scenario where one guy has two empty hands and the other is holding something in his left (hot coffee, running chain saw, leashed Rottweiler). It can get complicated. I'm wondering if others have an issue with this and how you handle it.
The Man Hug
- Thread starter Tolduonce
- Start date
If the guys right hand is clear, I extend mine.
If he extends his, I shake his hand.
There will be no man hugs on my watch.
A handshalke is all that is necessary, and prevents any possibility of an awkward moment.
If he extends his, I shake his hand.
There will be no man hugs on my watch.
A handshalke is all that is necessary, and prevents any possibility of an awkward moment.
- Thread starter
- #3
I know what you mean and for a long time I followed your model. As time progressed, more and more men started raising that left arm toward my shoulder and more and more, I acquiesced. Should never have started down that slippery slope. Just hope the next trend isn't the cheek kiss.
Just make sure the other guy is *way* more uncomfortable than you are.
The "Lingerer" that holds the hug too long will be most unhappy when you say something like "Your cologne smells familiar. It's really evocative. Damn, now I want sushi" and he isn't wearing any.
Sometimes you must ratchet up the awkwardness so that others will understand your point. Think "The Office" kind of awkwardness. This is the case with the one-sided bro-hug. You could try, " Oh sorry man. I don't hug. If I do, my nipples will stay hard for *hours*. It's pretty uncomfortable" or "Promise not to squeeze. I think I'm loaded for bear."
This is one of those word problems with the solution hidden in the question
I don't find it awkward when it occurs. Also, hugs of any sort are reserved for very close friends and/or family. There is nothing wrong with the expression of brotherly love.
I agree with you.
I think the OP means this as a phenomenon that seems to be replacing the standard handshake with not only fellow workers and aquaintances but total strangers as well.
I hug my male family members and a select few of my close personal friends who have been through tough times with me, but for everyone else - the handshake should be standard fare.
I do the man hug with my brothers, best childhood friends, and some good friends from college. I've never had it happen in a work environment, or upon meeting an acquaintance or stranger though.
i prefer the ankle shake. i was looking for a good picture, but couldn't find any.
Same here. As an aside, my son who is in his 30's is not ashamed to hug and kiss me even in public. He makes my heart soar like a hawk!
Agreed.
Handshake works for everyday folks. Hugs are for family.
Handshake works for everyday folks. Hugs are for family.
Man hugs for close friends only and then usually on special occasions.
There are three people who get the BigRich Man Hug. I'm not looking for new applicants.
The hand-shake to half-hug seems to be more popular among younger African American men. Nothing wrong with it I guess, but to me it's a kind of cultural identity thing.
As a card-carrying, true son-of-Texas, I hug my dad and shake hands with everyone else.
As a card-carrying, true son-of-Texas, I hug my dad and shake hands with everyone else.
No man hugs given or accepted. Can't help it, wasn't raised that way, seems icky and strange to me.
If I hugged my father his head would explode right after he back-handed me across the room.
Don't have children but if I have a son one day I hope to be able to hug him. That'll be the only man hugging for me.
If I hugged my father his head would explode right after he back-handed me across the room.
Don't have children but if I have a son one day I hope to be able to hug him. That'll be the only man hugging for me.
There are only two men that I have ever hugged, my late father and my brother Keith. Other than that, please don't step into my personal space. It freaks me out.
Only close friends, a handshake for everybody else.
You should see what those West coast mods do. I may never cross the Mississippi again.
Like lots of others have said. It is reserved for close friends and family. I don't want some one I do not know that well that close to me.
"No, your Honor, I don't actually have a written contract, but we did hug on it"
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