There is a split-second awkward moment whenever I see a friend of mine I haven't seen in awhile. Or rather a friendly 'acquaintance.' In those few seconds before we are face to face I think, hug or no hug?
Are we close enough that this reunion warrants a hug? Or maybe a simple 'hello' will do? What if I lean in to hug her but she wasn't planning to hug me? That would be awkward for me. Or perhaps the opposite, and then I will feel bad for not opening my arms.
And then there is the question, when I lean in to hug do I go to the right or the left? How do I know which way she will go? I don't want to end up in an awkward embrace, or worse, with a mouthful of someone else's hair.
Someone I know does not hug as a rule. She shakes people's hands. Which I find a bit unusual, but I guess that solves the problem.
So the question remains, to hug or not to hug?
I really enjoyed reading this- especially the mouthful of hair. i think there's an unspoken rule to go to the right if that helps.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone has this problem lol.. Well, more so girls than guys, but even guys sometimes. I think it's just something where you try and read the cues, and give it your best shot. Aside from that, it's pretty much "guess and check."
ReplyDeleteDevora- maybe it's because I'm a lefty but I think I go the other way, hence awkward moments. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteShocked- glad to know I'm not the only one.
I know somebody whose rule is thus: Since he works around non Jews all day long, and shakes hands with them, he hugs every Jew he meets.
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