No wonder kids get confused with adults like this on here.

I used to think that meeting someone for the first time and hugging briefly was not right, but now I find it acceptable. But I'm not the type to like to do this. But I am getting used to it. Even a stronger hug if y ou leave the person and really liked them. But your correct, nothing like what you do with your partner.

I'm a hugger.

Sharing loving kindness with hugs is fine if it's well received by both parties. A short peck on the cheek is great as it shows you care too. But a pressure squeeze hug and kiss on the ear is confronting and invading personal space zones and may need to be brought into line if you feel discomfort.😊

People should keep their hands and lips to themselves. Nothing worse than people who want to get into your personal space and impose themselves upon you. Maybe people should think more about how the intended recipient might feel about the situation. Total unnecessary behaviour, and disrespectful of other people.

I wasn't brought up to be kissy feely and all that, but I did hug my kids a lot more than I remember being showed affection. I normally end up with a man that's far more touchy than I am and I don't mean with me. I mean with friends and whatnot. It doesn't really bother me, though. I figure as long as no one is touching me, I am fine.

I am a female, I love a tight hug from my girlfriend and it means a lot me because it's a genuine hug. If a maly gives me a soft hug and a peck on the cheek I'm cool with that. But a tight and long hug shows intimacy. A friend of my husband gave me a hug and a kiss on the lips, it made me feel very uncomfortable. And I was thankful she didn't see it.

Well western culture is better than the rest. We don't need to display it as much. A good thing probably.

CORRECTION. Every CULTURE is different, some are cold, others are warm.

I don't do it enough to form an opinion.

I will tell infront I don't want this. I had say this to people's. Don't do it's. I see lover kiss and hugs in front of me in supermarket when paying they will tell each others off.Edited 12-Dec-23 21:21pm

enjoy hugging & kiss on the lips only with my wife

I cannot believe how dirty some dog owners are, letting their dog lick their face. That's bad and germs carry.

I wasn't bought up to hug and kiss family or friends. It mainly makes me uncomfortable to be honest. I choose to hug a couple of specific friends only and sometimes its a tight hug. My partner knows I only hug certain friends and he understands and doesn't mind as I'm very touchy feely with him.

I used to kiss my mum and dad every time I arrived or left the house, and my aunties, uncles and grandparents. Everyone has a mouth...if they don't like it they are allowed to say 😂

I never really do either, just on rare occasions.

Overated pastime.

I was not brought up to kiss nor hug though I knew I was loved by my family. Now I do not kiss or hug others when saying hello. We are all different and it depends on how we were brought up

I think it's sick to kiss family members on the lips. It's a bit like incest . Definitely not normal! Edited 12-Dec-23 18:32pm

My mother's family were all kissers. It is normal for us to kiss that side of the family..... yes, on the lips. I kissed both of my parents on the lips until they passed away and I kissed both of my uncles on the lips my whole life until one of them passed away recently but I still kiss my remaining uncle that way. I'm 56 and have no problem with that type of greeting for family. I wouldn't kiss random people, though. That's just wrong!

My father in law always hugged and kissed me far too long. Always felt he was over stepping boundaries. My hubbie didnt seem to understand, or didnt want to say anything to his dad, it got to the stage that i avoided getting to close to him so that he couldnt hug me.

A hug is too personal, but I do understand it for little kids, esp tho who are upset. But not all kids are like that so it depends on personality. Older relatives should not need hugs or pecks on cheeks. It's kinda of childish in adults. Many teens don't like it from older relatives as they will be likely disgusted. Never do it unless you know the person feels comfortable with it. It's like breaching someone's privacy. Respect other peoples rights. I had a couple of people who were mainly strangers that I had a meeting with one day, one male and one older female, I didn't like shaking their hands, esp the male. The female nearly crushed my hand she had such a strong grip. Lol.

I'm not really into kissing or hugging since Covid because it always seems to spread at functions where people are kissing and hugging.

I absolutely DISAGREE with kissing ANYONE except your partner. Hugging - yes I love it. I think ANY kissing is over the line. Just my opinion.

Never been a hugger or kisser,. Shake hands.

We all have a "personal space" around us that we guard jealously. Normally, we choose just how wide that space is. I would suggest that the least invasive behaviour is a hand shake. Of course the most open space allows for he most intimate contact. These are all personal space evaluations and they are the strict property of those that may be asked to share their space. While I'll reserve my opinion about the little 'kiss, kiss' noise on the cheek (depicted in the picture) whatever you personally allow to happen to you is your business and nobody else's.Edited 12-Dec-23 15:03pm

I agree wholeheartedly with you EnBird24

A family friend hugged my Mum so hard he cracked her ribs. She was in quite a bit of pain afterwards. Yes a peck on the check is fine not on the lips except a parent (I kiss my Mum and Dad on the lips.) Don't forget elderly people don't need to be squeezed as you could do some damage. Plus my husband of course I seem to forget to include him but it should go without saying. Edited 12-Dec-23 14:55pm

Defiantly a peck on the cheek only n always unless your partner ..However a hug depends on who from for what reason n how long since you seen them ...I am a hugger but hubby isn't except with me kids n grandies plus great grandchild..however I loathe when people expect children too hug them just because they are related

I agree with you EnBird24, when it is someone that is not your partner a hug and a peck on the cheek is acceptable.

A short hug and a quick kiss on the cheek

I don't really do either, probably because it's so rarely offered to me. People are scared of me at 6ft 2 and 110kg with a bikie/ viking beard. Most look at me and avoid me, I don't mind coz it's less BS to deal with 😏

As you say it depends on the relationship. My biggest problem is I am short how do I hug a person 30 centimeters [plus] taller than me

Affection is great under the right circumstances at the right time and in the appropriate way.

Ditto, cheeks and light hug.

i for one am sick of seeing men shake then hug fn pick one

There is a BIG difference between hugging and kissing your partner opposed to a friendly greeting of a good friend! When meeting up with a good friend and given a "greeting hug", SHOULD respectably, be as QUICK and LIGHT as a handshake! In regards to some "customary" religions/ cultures regarding the "kissing" greeting, MY opinion, NOT OK! YOUR personal "greeting" towards family, friends, and/ or, your partner, ALL comes down to your TRUE feelings towards that specific person. In other words, are you saying Hello/ Goodbye to a good friend AS a "good friend", OR, Do your loved ones' "placement" in your life, NOT match your DEEP/ TRUE feelings?!? 🫣♥️🥰 🤔

I didn’t read any of it. I don’t like to see my teenager kissing her boyfriend in front of the family.

i love hugs and kisses the grand kids be in a uproar if i never kissd them and my kids thats how we greateach other

yes and im not a lover of kissing anyway

I don't know, I have no one to hug or kiss except for my cat, and she doesn't care

Depending on who you are with If it's Granny no toung kissing

Depends on the connection between those two people who exchange hugs and kisses, I suppose 😳😗😞🤫

Only an hug, no kiss on the cheek. Males do not want sudden kisses. Females kissing other females is strange. I am not a liberal. Do not need kisses from female strangers, some men have full sex lives.

A quick peck on the cheek and hug is ok with me, it's a sign of being friendly with out crossing the line. Merry Christmas one and all hope you all have a wounderful time, xx hug hug. lol

Agree happy to hug and kiss on the cheek, but unless it's my partner or if single someone I am attracted to not keen on a kiss near the mouth.

I never liked kissing anyone on the mouth, visions of a petri dish dance in my head just thinking about it. A hug or arm squeeze is good enough.

Hey there. I understand the question so I do feel good about giving frfiends hugs, I do not kiss my friends. I do kiss my brother on the cheek when on the rare occasion I see him. I will let my son hug me as he is older and HATES it when I try to hug him. But sure feels good to get a big hug from him. Have a great day all and Merry Christmas (a bit early)

I am a hugger, but I know some of my friends aren't. I don't give them hugs. As for kisses it is only cheek.

No lip kissing unless it's my husband.

Definitely.

Lips to lips is very very personal. I always turn my head when being kissed by just a friend.

Publicly kissingo hugging with someoneis just for show other people how smart you are. It has no real things.

It's natural I just don't like it in public

Hi Robin L, have a great time (ty)

It all depends on who you hug and kiss I hug and kiss my best friends which are mostly femals but there are some males just just soft hugs and kisses and my family as well its all okEdited 12-Dec-23 07:47am

That might depend on what your partner approves of. His/her feelings should be considered. However, if it concerns female family members, pets or children, I'd have a problem not being allowed to kiss and hug them as I wish. My family has always been affectionate, but it had nothing to do with the love you have for a significant other. My mom and sisters used to kiss me on the lips often. When it comes to hugging, I'll hug anyone except horny old men that just want to rub against me! LOL When I was a little girl, my sister's husband had an old uncle that literally got behind me and rubbed himself against me! I hated being at her house when he was there. Why in the hell, didn't someone say something to this old, blue-lipped, slobbering old fool!!! He couldn't even talk to me without being right in my face. I was wanted to puke on him! My mom and sister were right there when he did this. I remember very clearly standing at the side of her kitchen table, and him coming up behind me and practically humping me! No wonder I have had emotional problems in my relationships. I thought anything men did to me was OK, and I had to go along with it. When I moved out on my own, I was very promiscuous. I thought I had to allow men to do what they wanted so I could get attention from them. I was rarely taken out on an actual date. I'm not proud of this, but at least now, I understand why I thought I had to be compliant to everyone!

Load of bollocks! Kiss n hug everything that moves

Why would you?

WHY NOT

I agree where men and women are concerned, (like the photo shows), but in my congregation women give what I call "real" hugs which are close, tight and loving! Now, if a brother in the congregation did that to me, he'd better watch out! ;-(

Some are desperate for affection, I think that's why they do it. Not good for others who hate it tho.🤨

depends who one is hugging etc but I BELIEVE KEEP SIMPLE ..!!! (UNLESS PARTNER)

IF YOU REALLY KNOW THE PERSON AND THEY ARE YOUR FRIENDS YOU CAN KISS AND HUG WITH NO MALICE ITS A SIGN OF GREETINGS BUT IF YOU JUST MEET A NEW PERSON YOU DONT HAVE TO KISS AND HUG JUST SHAKE YOUR HANDS WITH EACH OTHER..

I heard of a study (done at a university in Sydney Australia), they recorded the brain waves. This study showed that 4 to 5 good hugs a day improve your well-being. More than that didn't change anything further. So good hugs are good for us.

I don't kiss or hug anymore since Covid-19 had started.

It's the same with Santa Claus. Some kids don't like being put on a strangers lap, esp an old man with a white beard. I'm glad I didn't get that as a kid, I would of run away. Two of my older sisters did tho. Lol

hug of happiness

Even many kids hate it . I didn't like it as a kid and found it embarrassing. Luckily it didn't happen too often with my relatives. I'm so glad my paternal grandmother wasn't like that. A stranger, some ethnic Greek lady once put me on her lap, she was a mother of my sister's friend, and I squirmed. Luckily I only saw her once. 😡Edited 12-Dec-23 04:20am

Elbows only now - Covid.

It depends on how well you know the person. Spouse yes, big kisses and hugs.

I had a friend from Brazil that used to greet my wife with a kiss on each cheek, I know it was cultural but it still made me want to punch him!!Edited 12-Dec-23 04:04am

No it's not part of life to kiss and hug people in Australia. Maybe your not a caucasian, you seem ethnic? It's pretty rare to see relatives or friends, who are adults...hug or kiss. It doesn't happen with most people I know or with my relatives. In some cultures it might be common. I don't think it's appropriate in western culture. That's how you get germs and viruses. Even doing it on the cheek isn't really that common. As a kid maybe, but not as adults. Really off puting actually. I believe in keeping ones distance. I hate touchy & feely people. Respect other peoples barriers I say. Not everyone is the same way.Edited 12-Dec-23 04:16am

How you meet and greet people depends on your social upbringing based on your culture?

It depends on the occasion. I don't hug everyone I meet and certainly only kiss a few on the cheek. I hugged customers who were having a bad day and said yes, they'll take a hug. I hugged and kissed my Dad on his right cheek either on greeting or saying goodbye; always with an 'I love you'. He reciprocated. He passed 2 weeks ago today and pretty much all family and his friends are hugging each other every time we see each other. I hug my sons, who live with me, about once a week or so just for the reminding of my love and appreciation for them; also with 'I love you'. A nephew doesn't like a hug (he was beaten nearly to death 20-some years ago and doesn't like any extra touches still) so I always ask when I'm not sure of someone if it's okay. We sometimes do air hugs with a little giggle. When my Dad was in the hospital, I hugged a man whose brother was in the next bed. We were both sad and when we saw each other in the hall we hugged and cried and shared our grief. Some nurses were watching what was going on but I wasn't embarrassed at all. This stranger and I were both losing people we love and it was really special to have another person in the world know what it feels like. Again, it depends on the situation and how the parties feel about it. BOTH need to be amenable to it and NEVER force your child to hug a friend or relative that gives them a negative feeling. Kids have their boundaries and often their instincts are correct. Edited 12-Dec-23 04:46am

I am extremely traditional and I practice safe distancing on top of that! So handshakes will do.

Boundaries for me thanks …!!

I love kissing and hugging is the best, nothing better to kiss anyone you meet as long as it’s the opposite sex and a hug oh my.

I love my hubby and kissa d hug him all the time

a hug is good at christmas

I dont kiss other people

Hugs and kisses on the lips are for my love only. Hugs are for everyone. Kisses on the cheek or forehead are for special friends and relatives. I hug dogs but no lip kissing there either.

When my family gets together some of us kiss and hug, or at least hug. I don't kiss strangers.

I only kiss and hug my partner but I will hug good/ close friends

Well as far as I have experienced for 50 years ,we dont do that in NZ. I would find that very strange and a bit yuck.

Cannot agree. You have a lot of people in your life that deserve a tight hug. Kissing on the lips I do feel is usually for your partner but it is not essentially so. I guess it depends on the degree for every type of caress etc. Yes there are certain hugs and kisses that do cross the line but generally people know their place.

Yeah, there's partner-appropriate, and other people appropriate. Big boundary. Anyone who overstepped this is either chancing their mitt or unaware of proper social behaviour.

TO ME THAT IS YES THAT IS CROSSING THE LINE BIG TIME