Women Hug, Men Shake Hands

[Hush]

My wife likes to watch Top Shot so we watched it together today and she commented about the guys hugging each other as she finds it strange as I do. Its not only on Top Shot but we've noticed on other programs also.
She asked why, I replied you're asking the wrong guy, I'll give my sons and daughter and grandchildren a hug when appropriate but not even a close friend I've known for 50 years, it just wasn't done.
If I'm sharing a laugh or truism with a friend we will laugh, nod our heads in agreement and shake hands but hugging never enters the picture.
What am I/we missing?
Which is why I say women hug, men shake hands.

[WasDustyJacket]

In BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) EVERYONE hugs.

[mcinfantry]

My wife likes to watch Top Shot so we watched it together today and she commented about the guys hugging each other as she finds it strange as I do. Its not only on Top Shot but we've noticed on other programs also.
She asked why, I replied you're asking the wrong guy, I'll give my sons and daughter and grandchildren a hug when appropriate but not even a close friend I've known for 50 years, it just wasn't done.
If I'm sharing a laugh or truism with a friend we will laugh, nod our heads in agreement and shake hands but hugging never enters the picture.
What am I/we missing?
Which is why I say women hug, men shake hands.

I don't hug men. I don't really like shaking hands.

[Hush]

In BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) EVERYONE hugs.

So I'm guessing its because everyone agrees child abuse is a big no no, I can agree with that without the hugs. I'll shake your hand on that
But some would consider it an invasion of personal space I'd think.

[LavaRed]

I personally don't like hugging other guys, even close friends. I prefer to shake everyone's hand. But in a Latin society, close friends hug, and one must kiss women on the cheek as a greeting, so I have to put up with both, or risk being seen as a pedantic bastard.

Physical contact with non-nuclear family members feels awkward.

[jlwilliams]

Some people are huggers. We have a close family friend (man) who's a cronic hugger. I try to stick my hand out for a shake, he goes in for the hug. Does it to everyone. Whatever. I don't find it too uncomfortable but it's not my way. I also have a cousin on my wife's side who has a real problem being touched. Doesn't even want women (aside from his wife) coming in for the hug. That's his thing and no one I know of has any problem respecting that.

AA and NA meetings have hugs all around. All the 'twelve step' groups seem to be. BACA is likely similar because it's a group thing. I used to occasionally go to a dojo that was hugs all around. One arm, manly style. Thought it was odd, but when we visited their place we did their thing.

Just to clarify after a proof read. I'm not saying BACA members are 'in recovery' or anything of the sort. Just compairing the closeness of members of one group to closeness in other groups.

[continuity]

I suppose bringing up whether the "good game" smack is ok, should be held for another thread.

[doubloon]

In my limited observations, younger guys seem to give more hugs to non-family friend types than older guys. Seems to be a cultural shift that's happening across the nation, I blame TV. In some countries men kiss other men, at least nobody is lunging at me for a lip-lock yet.

As far as the 'good game' pat goes ... if you touch my ass my wallet had better not be there when I check for it.

[Libertarian_Geek]

In my limited observations, younger guys seem to give more hugs to non-family friend types than older guys. Seems to be a cultural shift that's happening across the nation, I blame TV. In some countries men kiss other men, at least nobody is lunging at me for a lip-lock yet.
...

It seems to have started with Gen Y'ers. Maybe because they are generally the youngest(most coddled) offspring of baby-boomers(peace/love/hippie). But I'm just making wide-brush speculations on stereotypes.

[ick]

Does Hush need a hug? Seems like he brings it up because he wants some.

I think it is culture thing. I just spent three days in Puerto Rico for a funeral and EVERYONE hugs EVERYONE else. I was new on the scene and only knew three people at the funeral home viewing, it lasted from 9:30 to 12 midnight. I was no excluded from said hugging by anyone.

I can't speak to all culture sections but I have found hugging is a big thing in most churches I have visited, and that trend is growing.

My recent trip to a large college campus with all of the students returning for the semester also revaled a tendency in the younger generation to have a sort of one-arm pat on the back type hug greeting.

[Hush]

Well from what I gather here is that its a cultural shift with the younger generation.
As Red Buttons would say"strange things are happening".

[ick]

Welcome back to 1953 Hush, sheesh.

http://youtu.be/gm-vvSfBsbA

[Hush]

Hey, don't knock it if you haven't lived it, the 50's were good times, none of this shuck and jive like today.

[jlwilliams]

The '50s look like they were swell.

[ick]

Aaw-shucks, that was nice of you

[silencertalk]

It is probably an under 30 thang.

Also in some countries girls hold hands.

[Mongo]

The men hugging s--t has been bugging me for many years.

TV has complete strangers hugging at the slightest provocation. Its not just TV shows but "reality" TV. Even football seems to be a hugfest now days, score, every one hug, make a tackle, hug another guy. fumble the ball and get a cheer you up hug. I can't even remember hugging my father and never another guy.

[Hush]

Now Mongo hit the nail smack dab on the head. My father never hugged me or I him, it just wasn't done.

[WasDustyJacket]

Also in some countries girls hold hands.

In the Philippines, non-gay guys hold hands at times.

[jlwilliams]

Maybe those two dudes I saw last week at the beach were philippinos .

[jppd47]

Also in some countries girls hold hands.

In the Philippines, non-gay guys hold hands at times.

Common in Iraq. Its a culture of close talkers as well.
I hug family and close friends (males). And females as a rule of thumb. Im 26. A generation of men raised by mothers?

[silencertalk]

That is so strange to me. I have never hugged a male friend and could not imagine doing so.

[82nd airborne]

That is so strange to me. I have never hugged a male friend and could not imagine doing so.

You'll get a gigantic hug next time I see you.

[jlwilliams]

That is so strange to me. I have never hugged a male friend and could not imagine doing so.

You'll get a gigantic hug next time I see you.

Try to get someone to get a picture of his face when you do it. We'd all like to share the moment