Giving and receiving hugs

[Mispelling]

I am an old man, and I detest the modern style of hugging the same sex. Why did a simple hand shake with a fixed glance go out of fashion? In the winter months I avoid kissing too. I wash my hands with soap as soon as possible, especially after using public transport, and I often avoid a cold or cough all winter. Am I being anti social or just over careful?

🙄

Having coughs and colds are good for your immune system...it is a huge shame to be so avoidant in order to have a cold free winter.

I think theres lots wrong with a handshake and a fixed stare!

So, yes, it will come across as anti-social, but then if you stick with your own generation you might find yourself amongst other llike-minded men in terms of socially accepted gestures. To younger generations you would probably come across as a bit off. But you do what you're comfortable with. No-one should force things you are uncomfortable with onto you.

How are you finding MN?

I don't like hugging, unless with a close family member. I'm not concerned about illness, I just don't feel comfortable being touched by people I don't know very well.

The same sex bit is irrelevant to me - I would rather a quick hug as I hate all the kissing we are expected to do. Nothing to do with germs. Almost all of our friends do 2 kisses as a greeting and as a goodbye. Some do 3! Takes ages if there's a group.

The blokes do a quick hug with each other which is much better. A handshake seems a bit silly and formal.

I'm with you OP. I don't like having to kiss people I hardly know, especially men. My financial advisor is extremely proper but thinks it is acceptable to kiss me on both cheeks. What's wrong with a handshake!
English people have dogs to slobber over after all!

Friends & family - hugs (but if DH's family don't stop patting me on the back I may finally lose it and not be responsible for my actions)

New people - handshake to start with

In my house hugs make the world go round and are a joy. Hugs have been handed down to my sons, and they are A1 huggers The girls compliment my sons on there hugs so they tell me.

I'm a very tactile person so I love hugs but only with family and friends!

Kathywoo like my sons are huggers

Where OP gone, shame he's not been back