You know that moment. You’re at pickup, someone’s mom walks over to introduce herself, and suddenly you’re doing that awkward half-handshake, half-hug, maybe-a-wave thing while holding a juice box and a lost shoe.

Turns out we’re all a little confused about how to say hello. And some of us are going way further than others.

The Poll That Settles the Great Greeting Debate

A new poll asked Americans how they usually greet different people in their lives, and the “someone you just met” answers are a trip.

Think about the last new person you met. A neighbor, a friend of a friend, a new coworker, or the car salesman trying to get you into a minivan with heated seats. Here’s how most people handle it:

• 51% go with a handshake
• 18% do a wave or a nod
• 12% skip the physical stuff and just say “hey”
• 5% go in for a full HUG
• 2% give a kiss on the cheek
• 1% kiss on the lips (Excuse me?!)

Let’s Talk About Those 5% Huggers

Look, there’s hugging your bestie’s college roommate you’ve heard stories about for ten years. That’s basically a pre-approved hug.

But hugging the HR rep who’s interviewing you for a job? That’s a big, flashing red flag. Maybe save the hug for after you get the offer letter. Actually, maybe not even then.

As for the cheek kissers, they’re either European or somebody’s grandma. Both are welcome at our house.

And the 1% going lips-first with strangers? We have questions. So many questions.

How We Greet the People We Love

Here’s the fun twist. When it comes to our romantic partners, everything flips upside down:

• 31% go with a kiss on the lips
• 12% hug it out
• 5% do a kiss on the cheek
• 1% give a wave or a nod (Rough day, maybe?)
• 0% shake hands

Good news: not one single person in America greets their spouse with a handshake. Romance is alive, people.

Should You Ask Before You Hug?

The poll also asked if people should generally ask before hugging someone they know. Here’s how that shook out:

• 18% said yes, always
• 56% said yes, in some situations
• 16% said nope, just go for it

Our rule of thumb? If you’re not sure whether it’s one of those situations, it is. A quick “Hugger or no?” never hurt anybody.

You can dig into all the numbers yourself in the full YouGov physical affection poll results.

So, Where Do You Land?

Are you a firm handshake person, a polite wave person, or one of the 5% who greets everyone like a long-lost cousin?

Head over to our Facebook and Instagram and tell us: What’s the most awkward greeting you’ve ever been part of? Bonus points if a juice box was involved. 🐸