Hello. How are you? What’s up? Hey.

All of us greet differently. There is no right or wrong.

These are a few of my thoughts on greetings that might create a few laughs. Most of these are related to greetings within the office, but a few are appropriate anywhere.

Enjoy these and add more below in the comments section!

1. If I don’t know you, and we’ve never met, we’re probably not going to hug. Let’s stick with a firm handshake for the first introduction. And no fist pumps if we don’t know each other.

2. If I’ve already seen you that day, we don’t have to re-greet each other. Regardless of in the office, at an event, or at a social gathering, we’ve already established a connection, so no need to have to re-establish that. Stick with a simple head nod or a thumbs up, or just walk by like gunslingers in an alley.

3. When greeting, avoid using nicknames that you think are funny and the other person doesn’t. Not necessarily a good way to build a bridge.

4. When greeting, DO use nicknames if you and the other person thinks it’s funny. Nicknames are a great way of showing connection. I LOVE giving nicknames.

5. For greeting those you know, I prefer the clasp and hug, not just the straight hug. Straight hugging can get awkward, but when you go to the clasp handshake first, it establishes a point of contact to then hug from.

6. When in doubt, the high five still works. Especially for those you know well or work with. No words, just a high five. The fist bump can also be substituted in here.

7. Unless you really want to know, don’t ask me how I’m doing. Just make a statement instead, a statement that stands on its own, that doesn’t require a response from me. Something like “today’s the day” or “there he is!” or “you’re the man!”

8. Greet with a compliment whenever appropriate. Such as “I really like that shirt!” or “I appreciate you!” or “that jacket looks great on you!” Those who greet with compliments are always remembered and someone you always like seeing.

9. If we are just exchanging friendly passerby greetings, don’t ask me something deep, or something that requires me to necessarily stop for a complete conversation. Again, I love conversations, but if we’re passing by, that probably means we are both on our way somewhere.

10. If I know who’s calling me on my phone, because of caller ID, I’ll usually greet them with a customized greeting vs. a standard greeting. You should do the same. If I am confident of who is calling, I don’t need to say “This is Brad.” But maybe “what’s up bigtime” or “where are you?” or “you ready to go?” or “hit me money” or just simply “dude.” Feel free to say the other person’s name in your customized greeting.

11. The holy kiss only works in the following scenarios: 1. Family, 2. Much older women or men, 3. Spouses of close friends as long as the close friend is present—always on the cheek, never on the lips.

12. When greeting someone from another race, nationality, area of the world, or even cultural difference, don’t get too far out on a limb. Stay with what you are comfortable with. Trying to speak a different language or arrange a cultural phrase is risky!

Brad Lomenick is president and key visionary of Catalyst—a movement purposed to equip and inspire young Christian leaders through events, resources, consulting and community. Follow him on Twitter @bradlomenick, or read his personal blog at bradlomenick.com.

For the original article, visit bradlomenick.com.

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