Man greeting Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact.  A firm but fairly brief handshake is the norm. With friends, a simple hello or nod of acknowledgment will suffice.  Good friends and family may engage in a light hug, pats on the back, and in some cases kisses on the cheek.

Woman greeting Woman- At a first meeting, a simple hello or nod of acknowledgment will do.  In business and more formal situations shaking hands while maintaining direct eye contact is common. Between good friends and family light hugs and kissing on one or both cheeks is common.

Greetings between Men & Women- At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Good friends and family may engage in a light hug or a kiss on one or both cheeks. Some men will kiss a woman’s hand when saying hello.  This is usually reserved for older women and women of high status, yet is considered somewhat old fashioned and less common.