Ok, so we're off to the UK this Christmas and going to be seeing lots of family members. Mon's Thai, as you know, so her typical greeting or action on departing is to 'wai', the hands placed together gesture (as in praying), placed in front of the chest, face or up near the head (usually depending on the level of respect that should be shown - the higher, the more respect).



How do you guys greet and say goodbye to friends and family? I recall I used to put an arm around female relatives and kiss them on the cheek and shake the hands of males. Not having done this for years now I forget exactly how to do the hug and kiss greeting and the thought of it makes me feel awkward. Here in Thailand just about the only person I ever touch at all is Mon. I think I've hugged my mother in law only maybe twice in the time I've been here and never given her a kiss on the cheek. Thais tend to keep their distance a little in this respect, especially in public. For Mon I don't know how she will greet my family, and I wonder if they will think about whether they should hug her and give her a kiss on the cheek, or maybe I'm just thinking too much?

Fauxie said:

I click "report to moderator."

smack the dames on the ass and tell them to get you a beer Nick.

don't touch anyone's chest. people will flip out. big time.

Well now this is gonna just take away from my HBO thread.

Your thinking too much. Go give them all a hug. And thats that.

Some people I greet witha hug, some with a handshake, some with nothing at all. When in doubt, just follow their lead.

Europeans always seem to kiss me on the cheek, men and women. Only gay men kiss me on the cheek at home.

CarrieMpls said:

I would dip you if we met.

2the9s said:

I'm a big fan of the TRIP

2the9s said:

!!

It's awkward for Mon though. She may be used to me hugging her, but it's a bit different when it's your in-laws who you've only met once before and you feel nervous. I wonder if my parents will take into account her being Thai. It even seems odd for me now to think about hugging and kissing relatives. I'd rather just 'wai' them. I'm gonna talk smack about everyone in Thai with Mon too.

i tend to hug people i know, but very rarely...i'm not very touchy and prefer just saying hello or goodbye.

i'm not a touchy feely person my self. I'm especially offended when I have to shake someones hand I wish not to.

evenstar3 said:

Fauxie said:

evenstar3 said:

Just wai 'em

Fauxie said:

oh!

it would be nice if that was the custom over here too

Note Canada's Miss Universe. Very poor wai

Fauxie said:

is it poor because she's clearly staring right at his crotch?

Its weird for me. It just depends on my surroundings I guess. My fathers side of the family are all a bunch of fun loving touchy feely Italian Guido's! My Moms side of the family is a bunch of insular, shy Koreans. My Godfather is a gregarious black man! My greetings and goodbyes all depend on my environment I guess!

Reply to 'Greeting family and friends (and saying goodbyes)'



In the most loving, caring way possible.

Fauxie said:

Miss Canada. But ya know.

I rarely get together with family. But when i do i usually just say see ya later. And leave.

Pretty much the same with friends.

Nick you and Mon are coming to England? OMG OMG can we meet up please? I'd SO love to meet you both!!!!! orgnote coming...

and in regards to greetings/goodbyes I'm a mush unless I feel it's someone who really really doesn't like affection or contact (or if it's the first time meeting someone I don't know, too) I give them a big ol' hug and possibly a kiss on the cheek. I've grown up like that though...

plllllease can we meet up?

Any chance we'll meet, you little bastard? I'll wai you.

Spookymuffin said:

Ben we HAVE to organise something!!! it's a must!!!

Natisse said:

Where when how who why?!!?!

Spookymuffin said:

for that we'll need to hear from Nick and see what his plans are be sure, though, if there's any possible way we'll get something organised

Fauxie said:

You seem fairly comfortable approaching the subject here. Maybe you should do the same with your parents in advance. Take out the element of surprise.

Spookymuffin said:

i will hate you both forever if there is a meetup of DOOM without me!

evenstar3 said:

sorry. there'll be a big doom meetup one day, we know it.