Man greeting Man – A handshake between men when meeting is common. If the men know each other well, a gentle hug while shaking the hand is not uncommon. Woman greeting Woman – When first meeting, a handshake is common. If women know each other, then it is customary to kiss each other’s cheeks once on each side starting with the left side first. Greetings between Men & Women – When first meeting a handshake is exchanged or sometimes a nod if the woman does not offer her hand. If the man and woman know each other, then a kiss on each cheek is customary. In some formal situations it may be acceptable for men to kiss a woman's hand.
