The next time I saw my “floppy-fish” contact was during a training session. When I talked about appropriate handshakes, I tested this person's handshake in front of the crowd—it was a perfect grip. When he wasn't paying attention to his handshake, it was a total flop.
Hugs and Kisses
Hugs imply a sense of familiarity and thus should be kept for close friends and colleagues. To avoid a hug, simply offer your hand for a handshake instead. Hugs used as a greeting don't require tight or prolonged squeezes. Before going in for a hug, be sure the relationship you have with the other individual elicits one.
Offering one, two, or three “cheeky-air-kisses” is not technically a North American custom. It can make some feel uncomfortable and can be awkward, especially for those who don't wish to get up close and personal. To avoid the air kisses, simply extend your hand for the handshake and lock your elbow to keep your greeting partner at an acceptable distance.
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