WON'T greet his dad or kiss him hello

[Emjay]

For about 6 months now my nearly 3, only child DS won't greet his dad with a hello, or kiss or cuddle or anything. I can see it hurts my DH . DS would rather run about avoiding him and even pushes him away when DH opens his arms for a hello cuddle. DS doesn't show anger, fear or worry, its more like ignoring DH. When told/encouraged to say hello DS says 'no' and gets defiant or hides behind me.
I've heard about separation anxiety, but DS has had me as a stay-at-home mum for one year now, and shows me affection. Dad works long hours, never sees him weekday mornings and maybe only sees DS 1 sometimes 2 nights before bedtime, but DH is home on weekends and he gets affection then!
DS is same with other close family too, will say hello + run off, no physical affection though .
Otherwise DS is a bright, intelligent, well spoken and happy boy.
I thought it was a "stage" and it will stop, AM I RIGHT?

Some people are just more reserved than others. I think it's a bit unfair to expect him to be affectionate with everyone just because they're a relative or even his dad ... Maybe he'll change as he gets older, but until then, let him be himself. I'm sure your DH can find other ways of bonding in their relationship.

I struggle with this too, although not quite this bad. DD, now 2.11 goes through phases with this and i've posted on a similar thread. IME you really shouldn't push DS. In our house, DH now devotes specific time when he plays with whatever DD wants, jigsaws, books, dresses dolls, whatever. DH may not want to dress Dora in the same outfit 10 times but he does it. It generally pays off and DD is much more respondent (though not perfect). He does lapse now and again with having to work long hours too, but he is reminded of this when DD starts to ignore him etc. Perhaps in your instance, if its just in the evenings, maybe DS is too tired. When our DD's are tired, the only person they want is their mum!

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I'll keep hoping it gets better with time, because I know hubby will be working very long hours for some time yet.