A Newbie Question

[Thekiltedmohawk]

(PS when one of us meets Jock Scot we should lay a bro-hug on him!)

That'd be a sight I'd pay a pretty penny to see!

[Jock Scot]

Go steady though chaps, or I could break into a thousand pieces!

[OC Richard]

Thing is, around here, a handshake seems formal and slightly out of place with somebody you know. It's something you do when you meet somebody for the first time. I can't really imagine shaking hands with my best friends. With friends it's kind words, or if something more is felt appropriate, a bro-hug. (Say, if you haven't seen the person in a while.)

At out local Highland Games you'll see hugs everywhere, as people have dear friends they only see at the Games.

[tundramanq]

The handshake has very formal beginnings and purpose: ( Wikipedia )

"Archaeological ruins and ancient texts show that handshaking was practiced in ancient Greece as far back as the 5th century BC; a depiction of two soldiers shaking hands can be found on part of a 5th-century BC funerary stele on display in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin (stele SK1708)[4] and other funerary steles like the one of the 4th century BC which depicts Thraseas and his wife Euandria handshaking. The handshake is thought by some to have originated as a gesture of peace by demonstrating that the hand holds no weapon."

I knew the sword hand thing, but learned the origin here.
It has become a formality and a greeting in some cultures. The Wikipedia article includes the differences in practice and custom in many countries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handshake

Oh and welcome to the rabble Bluethunder! Enjoying this string you spawned. I enjoy train of thought journeys that include the interesting side trips off topic. Forces me to think outside the box.

Regarding the uncle, aunt, cousin, brother, etc. thing - I think the new worlds people are more of "the melting pot" mix than the old worlds and this leads to our wider view of relationships. The mostly unknown matriarchal half of 3/4s of my own ancestry that's been in the US well over 200 years precludes any attempt to include or exclude any of humanity from my family.

[James Hood]

Well said!!!!!!

Was recently-ish dinner-ing 3-way man-date with a couple pals of 35+ years acquaintance and at one point, they were "lamenting-lite" their "lack of nationality."

Endeavouring to get one of them's immediate family string at least demi-correct:
3rd generation American
French surname, Scottish given name (Donald), Polish middle (Antone)

father French/Irish-Polish-Irish-Dutch/Native Chickasaw/Miami

mother Lithuanian sur-maiden-name
mother Lithuanian-Ukrainian-Latvian-Latvian

"What nationality is Don?"

Modern melting pot American.

Should he hug, shake hands, back-slap, bro-hug, maintain 18 inches, close inside of 18 inches, cheek-kiss...?

[SeumasA]

(PS when one of us meets Jock Scot we should lay a bro-hug on him!)

I think Jock would probably have a stroke if you did.

[Jock Scot]

I think Jock would probably have a stroke if you did.

Oh I expect that I would survive the experience.

Although it all looks rather excessive to me.

[SeumasA]

As it does to me. In my family, hugging is reserved for the California relatives. ;)

[Katia]

Just get a good tweed to suit your complexion...

That tweed is really striking, as kilt +waistcoat + jacket!

[Tarheel]

As it does to me. In my family, hugging is reserved for the California relatives. ;)

I have been away from my huge number of relatives in NC for three years. My arms would tire after the amount of hugs I would have to give on a visit. Maybe it (like your California relatives) has something to with ocean bordered states. Perhaps, something in the water?