Are you a hand shaker, a hugger, a head- nodder? Maybe you're a "HEY! How are you," with a warm smile or wave. I think your greeting, says a lot about who you are.

Just yesterday, our meteorologist Paul Horton was out all morning, giving free hugs for National Hugging Day. Some embraced him with open arms, one woman actually jumped on him, while others kept their heads down and kept on walking. Yes, he was a stranger, but it was interesting to watch the interactions. Paul is an extremely friendly and harmless guy whose friendliness is completely infectious.

I was at the doctor's office a while back and commented on all the sniffling & sneezing people in the lobby. Busy with the flu? I was surprised with the response. All that hand shaking when saying hello, can almost be hazardous to your health. We got to talking about all the antibacterial washes and wipes people carry around. The doc told me it's become almost a necessity, that for so many people, it's customary to shake hands, even when you come in to work despite feeling ill (some wear this as a badge of honor, he, on the other hand, advised against it). He wondered if someday all the bugs and viruses and sicknesses would change our cultural custom of hand shaking. Think of other cultures, bowing, a quick nod.

I had a professor in college who was German and told us once how baffled he was how Americans always say, "How are you doing," as a greeting, without genuinely caring to hear the answer. He said after telling a woman what a bad morning his wife had after having to take out the garbage and how his car was having trouble starting up, only to find himself into an explanation that got several minutes long as the woman's eyes glazed over, he said, "I don't understand you Americans. Why ask how I am doing if you really don't want to know?"

Back to the germ factor. Germs, germs, everywhere a germ! In the last week Marya Piani told us about a new study where germs can live on dollar bills for up to 2 weeks! Yuck! Just think how many people you see leaving the restroom without washing their hands in a given day.

Watch the politicians. I've been told before, it's pretty customary to find a strong, firm handshake with the second hand reaching up and grabbing the other person's shoulder. A subliminal imposition of subservience. That's not my opinion, just what I've heard, but watch and it's interesting to see who greets others this way.

Do you have a pet peeve about greetings, people invading your private space, or is it to heck with the hand shake, I want a hug! ?

Email me, I'd love t hear from you ncrites@kpho.com