Unfortunately, in these Covid days, those things have all but disappeared. It's only when you look back that you realise how often you used to hug friends and relations. I really don't like what seems to have replaced them - elbow or fist bumping. I think that in the early days of Covid we saw politicians etc. bumping elbows, as recommended in the Briefings. I thought these looked ungainly and rather awkward to do. They then moved on to fist bumping . To see an older person doing it seems so anachronistic and a bit silly. The whole idea of a greeting is to be friendly and respectful and I think the much better way is the way they do it in many Eastern countries - the Namaste. It's easy to do - with a slight nod of the head - and I've seen it used in over 20 countries. It's also used a lot here in Yoga. Would you use it if you can't hug or handshake? A good start but not really distancing enough.
Personally I'd still handshake, I think the chances of catching it is pretty minimal, unless you come across one of those who spit on their hand first. Never been a hugger, think that's more of a modern thing anyway.
Now I like the chicken wing hand shake ( elbow bump ). The namaste is a tad hippy sixtyish, but blooming heck so am I
Personally I regard all of these things, handshakes, hugging, kissing as invasions of my personal space and hate them all with a passion. So for me this virus social distancing is a welcome relief from having to step back when people approach me with the intention of touching me in any way shape or form.
Good Lord! Kissykissy is a cornerstone of life here, and it's a very difficult custom to shake off. It's also a good test of memory when you're in mixed friends/family, Northerners/Southerners company. It can be anything from one peck on each cheek to five with cousins You had to allow at least half an hour to get around a salle de fêtes full of acquaintances, then another one when you left.. The only time I've seen the French self-discipline crack was at a funeral, when the son-in-law did the rounds as per usual. Which is exactly how clusters start I love @shiney's suggestion of the namasté, but not sure how it would be received here in view of recent events. The French don't tend to differentiate between Asian and 'arabic' customs.
I suppose I find it easy as I have been travelling for the last 58 years and in some of the countries it has always been the standard greeting. You get used to doing it
Never had hugs so won't miss it, kissing is only for Miss Jiff, Handshakes i'll do as it's was a sign of trust (but that may not be the case any more) and not at covid times If i see some one i know well it's Good Morning/Afternoon how are you, if some one i don't like it's nowt
Yes I miss it terribly...can't beat a kiss or a friendly hug. Even now I tend to forget...then have to put my brakes on!!!
When out in the garden or out for a walk we always make a point of saying hello to people we see, even if we don't know them. A simple gesture goes along way to brightening up these troubled days, imo. It's not so easy when out shopping in town though.
We have always greeted people when walking in our village whether we know them or not. It's a friendly village
Saying Hello is very common here. I don't think anyone we pass on our morning walk does not speak. Having said that it is still not an excuse for invading my personal space. I am not a germophobe like Sheldon Cooper, I just hate being touched uninvited.