It was a Friday night. My co-workers and I were getting a special perk -- a black tie dinner to celebrate my radio station's 90th anniversary. We were all dressed up -- guys in tuxes and gals in their best black dresses. It was a celebratory mood. We hugged and laughed as we made our way through the crowd to accept our honors. I saw one of my colleagues standing off to the side. We are very close, having worked on many projects together in the newsroom. I went to say hi and extended my hand in a handshake.
"You're shaking my hand?" he asked incredulously, knowing it was a silly gesture for someone he knows so well. So I leaned in for a peck on the cheek and to my surprise, he pulled back. Almost a whiplash head back. Awkward moment. Later he would tell me "I don't do kisses. I'll do hugs. But not kisses."
So just what is the appropriate etiquette when your suited up place of business goes into the ballroom? Do you hand shake? Hug? Back slap or give the social smooch on the cheek?
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