Humm for me a hello and a good conversation would be the way to start a first meeting.. If one connects or just enjoyed the meet at the end maybe a hug~~~ no more on a first meet...

Leave the kiss on the cheek for when you hit the 2nd-3rd time by this time you will know if you actually want to get to know them on a dating level~~~

hugs, hugs, hugs ... I'm very affection

risky is my middle name

Depends on who you're meeting, where you're meeting, what you know about them, and who you want to portray yourself as.


Smile and try to present calm, comfortable, open body language that conveys I'm pleased to see them.


Depends on the woman.


Depends on the reason for meeting.
I would never shake a woman's hand on a date or trying to pick her up.


The norm is to pick up cues, direct and indirect, from each other and the situation, and respond to them according to your cultural training.

Sometimes you're right, sometimes you're wrong, sometimes you're right but feel you did the wrong thing, sometimes you're wrong but feel you did the right thing.

As long as it's genuine and warm. Nothing wrong with a kiss on the cheek, the type that you don't really fully touch the cheek with your lips.

I've had the 'handshakes only' too, but in a way that's very distant. You don't really want distance, do you? Usually a guy has made an effort to come see me (I do not drive more than to the nearest town for a first date --> 12km).
If you're then basically cold and distant, do handshakes only, not really a sign of appreciation for the effort he has already made (coming to see me, sometimes driving 2,5 - 3 hours).
And sure a first date is wait and see, but a 'warm start' is still best. After all you want to find out if you can generate affection and warmth together. A 'cold start' doesn't really help to get there, and find out.

A hug is too much on a meet and greet. You don't have to overdo it either. Hugging someone you don't know yet can be overwhelming and create awkwardness instead of closeness.

I am comfortable with a handshake , hug, or kiss.

What I am NOT comfortable with, is THE LINGERING..

An introductory handshake , kiss or hug, is supposed to be fleeting.

Why do some strangers leave me feeling like I was a hapless participant in FOREPLAY

It could depend on the culture of the community you were raised in.

A friendly hug and kiss on the cheek for hello is not a problem especially if you have gotten to know them through different forms of communication.

It could also be a result of what your guts is telling you.

Every situation is different and every person is different.

I met a feller for coffee once, when the
10 minutes were over he said 'Can I have a hug?'

Well, awkward, but sure.

He feels me up in the disguise of a hug!

It sure gave me the creeps :-)

A bloke asking for a hug on a 1st date (or at all for that matter)?
You should've sent him to his mommy

First meet, Handshake nice and firm the way I was taught, smile and a "hello"
then depending on how the encounter went a possible hug.. Personally I would not go for the kiss on the cheek or otherwise.. Of course it would depend on her lead..

First meet, Handshake nice and firm the way I was taught, smile and a "hello"
then depending on how the encounter went a possible hug.. Personally I would not go for the kiss on the cheek or otherwise.. Of course it would depend on her lead..

No kidding eh?
He left me suspicious of anyone wanting to hug,
still trying to lose that :-)

Hahaha, he must've had a real good feel if you still haven't shaken it, lol.
I bet Krupa never asks for a hug, not even when he's feeling very mucho under the weather

The krupa is a hugaholic, but his be sweet :-)

The other guy was running his hands up and down my back,
yeah, over the azz, around in front and I was pinned..I
was lucky to escape a cavity search I am thinking.

Great! Stupid thing is, when you should knee a man in the bollocks, we don't. I think most women are too taken aback and overwhelmed to even think about it.
I once was leaning on a bar in a pub, waiting for my drink, and some a-hole just grabbed me between my legs from behind. I was so totally shocked, that it took me some 5-10 mins to get angry.
Maybe literal knee jerk reactions should come back in style

This ^^^

For me, if I never meet you before.
Touch me & die

A kiss is way too forward...A handshake is awkward...If everything goes fine a hug is OK but let me initiate it but watch the hands!!!

As long as you're a gentleman ... you'll be fine

when we first meet? a hug if it's not too touchy/feely