It now seems quite acceptable for men to kiss upon meeting or departing. Sometimes half in jest but sometimes in line with our continental cousins. Obviously not in business circles. I think it's quite refreshing that men can display their friendship in this more intimate way. What say you?
Your right boxtops when I first moved to Turkey I would only shake hands. It was only after being there for a while that I got used to the traditional greetings, and having got to know the locals, they told me that I appeared to be very stand offish when I first arrived. So when in Rome do as the Romans, but when in britain do as the brits I guess.
ps I wouldn't like to try it in a Glasgow pub lol
Me and my father were never 'close' but as he nears the end of his life (not pleasant, but true) we now kiss and hug upon greeting and leaving and it's great.
In Albania, friends and relatives kiss on each cheek when meeting - man to man, man to woman, woman to woman. Thought it strange when I first moved there, but quickly became used to it.
You would think the Germans very staid and famous for hand shaking and formalities but my men always greet one another with a handshake and a hug .
Not a huggy cuddle but a sort of arm over the shoulder back pat type of thing .
My husband always hugged his Dad when they met .
// Must admit it's something that's happened in the last 4/5 years so I can quite understand some of our more senior members recoiling in horror at the very mention of the subject.//
I am one of the more senior members of A/B & I always greet my SIL & G/sons with a big hug & I think it's great. When growing up we were always taught to greet another male member with a handshake. I met my only brother recently who I don't see very often & gave him a big hug & he staggered back in amazement.