Jul 23, 2018
It can often be difficult to figure out how to greet people when first meeting them, or when meeting them for a second or even, fourth time. Reading body language signals can be challenging for everyone, especially when in a social gathering. When do I shake hands with someone? When to hug? Who to kiss? Find out here with our Tatler Tips:
1. Hierarchy
When making introductions there is a certain hierarchy that exists. Typically older people (in age) or those more senior in terms of career, should be introduced before those younger or more subordinate. Traditionally, women are introduced before men, too.
2. Names
Always introduce with full names and not using nicknames. Nicknames are rather personal and should be used only when more acquainted with one another.
3. Anecdote
It may be a good idea to add a short introductory message about the person, be it about their job or an interesting anecdote about who they are or what they like to do. This shows effort on your part.
4. Go Right
Always shake with your right hand, even if you are left handed.
5. Sweat
Make sure that your hand is not sweaty, as that is always unpleasant.
6. Kiss On The Cheek
After the initial handshake, if you become more acquainted or closer friends, greet one another with a kiss on the cheek – aka the beso. A beso, single or double, is up to you and should be reserved for after the initial meeting. Women kiss each other on the cheek routinely when greeting one another, the same goes for men and women too. However it is more of a rarity to see men making beso as a social greeting here in the Philippines, but it is the norm in other cultures.
Tatler Tip: Greet with a cheek to cheek kiss, not lip to cheek as that can often be awkward.
7. Read The Signs
If someone extends a hand, do not impose a kiss on the cheek, or a hug as it may come off as aggressive, annoying and overly familiar.
8. The Hug
Hugging one another as a greeting, can be a tad bit off, as there is quite a lot of close contact. Perhaps reserve the hug for someone you know well, someone you have not seen in a long time, if congratulations are in order, or if there is some sort of celebration, but not for someone you see regularly and frequently.
