To hate over familiar greetings

[Gorillaandme]

I hate when people kiss my cheek or try to hug me as a greeting it makes me feel really uncomfortable.

My husband has an uncle who lacks a bit in the hygiene department and he always has to hug and kiss me and I just freeze and don't know what to do. It actually makes me feel a little sick and really angry. How do I tell him to back off in a nice way?

Offer your hand and say 'sorry, I don't really do hugging'?

Eugh, I hate people like this

I deliberately stand a little too far away and do a nice bright wave. If they come close to you, grab both arms with your hands and say “so nice to see you!” But keep them at arms length

I hate it too.

Put your hand out to shake his. (sanitiser at the ready if his hygiene is that bad)

If he persists in trying to hug you, move away and say you dont really like hugging people. He will probably strop at you protesting his entitlement over your body but who cares.

If you don't like it, tell him to stop. It's not unreasonable to stand up for yourself.

I work in a client services role and the client I work for is an international brand based in a European country (mainland Europe).

As it's an international brand, it's a very multi-cultural business which makes greetings very awkward.

Dutch - 3 kisses
Dutch (but lived in America for a long time) - hug
Hungarian - 2 kisses
Russian - 1 kiss / handshake depending on whether they actually like you
Slovakian - mix between Hungary and Russia

Then there's the obvious confusion over how to greet a British client working overseas - some like no physical contact (but will do a handshake the first time they meet you), whereas others have gone fully continental and go 3 kisses.

Obviously different situation but as they're your client you have to respect their culture - very confusing, awkward and a bit grim!

Yes I hate it! I always manage to make it awkward too.

I hate this too!

When did British people start thinking kisses and hugs are acceptable as a default mode of greeting! No, I'm not joking.

It should be a small wave or handshake unless it's close family / friends and both people are totally, visibly on board with it.

What I hate (as well as all the above) is when people say, "Hello, you." I can't stand it!