General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Even if you're a "touchy, feely" guy, do NOT put your hands on a woman without her permission. [View all]MineralMan
(146,413 posts)relationship, really, men, women, and children. Until you know that physical contact is welcome and you're sure it's not inappropriate, avoid it. People will let you know if they are huggers or whatever. Men, of course, should always wait for women to initiate contact beyond a handshake or signal that a hug or whatever is welcome. Children should simply never be the target of any physical contact unless they're your children, grandchildren, or other relatives where such contact is the norm, or if a parent encourages such contact and you're comfortable with it.
You can always offer a handshake to pretty much anyone, of course. That is an accepted form of contact in most situations. However, if it is not accepted, that's a clear message that contact is not wanted.
Everyone is different and it takes time to learn those differences. A good friend of my former wife was a hugger and a smoocher. The first time she gave me a big smooch, I was pretty uncomfortable. I talked to my wife about it and she said, "She does that with everyone she likes. It doesn't bother me." So, that became a standard greeting with that particular person, but with nobody else.