Men greeting Men - Men shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact. Good friends and family may include a light hug or pat on the back. Women greeting Women- Light kisses on the cheeks tend to be the most common form of greeting for friends and family. These are light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. Three alternating cheek kisses tend to be the norm. At a first meeting, women generally shake hands. Greetings between Men & Women- Light kisses on the cheeks are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Three alternating cheek kisses tend to be the norm. At a first meeting a regular handshake will do.