Have You Been Hugged Lately - To hug or not to hug?
Getting hugs from my children, husband, and especially my grandkids makes my day and I love every minute of it.
When I grew up, I really can't remember my parents, my siblings and I were huggers. Even when we visited our aunts, uncles and cousins we greeted with a handshake but that doesn't mean that we didn't love each other. Come to think of it now, when visiting with friends or hanging together there were no hugs either - strange? Not really, that doesn't make me unapproachable or untouchable - I'm quiet and reserved, however I am a people person and very outgoing.
Time has changed - I have changed.... The social scene has changed... friends running into each other share hugs, you hug someone when you run into them, you hug when visiting, you hug when friends come visit, you hug when they leave, you hug before going to the bathroom...maybe not. Full frontal hugs, Total body hugs, and Heartfelt hugs... which is your type?
I've noticed there is a lot more hugging going on these days. More notable in politics, especially since 9/11 when former President Bush comfort those by giving hugs which was needed amongst the ones who seeked his comfort and just recently, when President Obama spoke during a town hall meeting in Ft. Myers, FL by reaching out to a lady by hugging and kissing her cheek when she asked for his help. In the entertainment world, hosts hug the contestants after being critiqued by the judges.
Has your style of greeting changed? How do you greet your client at first contact and is the greeting different i.e., after a signed listing agreement or giving your seller or buyer a bear hug after a closing?
Is hugging appropriate in the real estate business?
At first contact, I do greet my client with a friendly smile and a handshake. Meeting with business associates is done with a smile and a handshake. When meeting with a client after first contact, I will never be the first one to initiate a hug that doesn't mean that I don't hug in return. To me, timing is everything, it must be appropriate and both huggers must be comfortable with it.
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Have You Been Hugged Lately - To hug or not to hug?
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
P.O. Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050
Telephone (863) 618-6919
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
(863) 619-6918
I come from a very "huggy" family. My husband's family is the same way. However, in business, I always shake hands. I only hug when I really get to know someone. Some people appreciate hugs while others can be offended by the closeness of it all. I think hugging depends completely on the relationship of the people involved in the hug.
Petra...
I don't think hugging is appropriate in RE. But, everyone is different. BB is a hugger where as I am not. When we go to Church everyone wants to hug. I avoid it by putting my hand out and shaking hands. I do this just because I catch illnesses very easily. I can't count how many times I've woken up with a flu or cold the Monday morning after Church. Folks have gone hug crazy but they forget to tell the people they hug that they are sick. If I wanted to get sick I'd just lick their fingers :)
P.S. Okay. I cracked myself up with that one :)
TLW...ROAR!
I am a very affectionate person by nature but I certainly wouldn't hug someone I didn't know well. Getting a hug from a client is a gift to me. It says I've done a good job and they are happy they met me, and it is a true sign of trust and being comfortable with me. But I always let them make the gesture. Personally, I think the world would be far better with a few more hugs going around.
I am a out going person, who will talk to clients about everything. When I meet clients I am asking questions and giving a lot of info. Before long I am talking about many things, not all real estate. I would say when I meet past clients, some who I have spent time with, hand skake and hungs are possible for Men, and handshake and a kiss on the cheek for Women in some cases. Every relationship is different, and how much time you spent to get to know one another.
Richard
Hugging I think it is a cultral thing. Back in the day hugging was a sign of weakness. But now just about anything goes.
I think a hug is wonderful however I don't hug people I don't know.
Portsmouth NH Real Estate
OMG, I hug all the time. I guess I'll think twice before I hug a client again.
Petra, times are a changing, Hugs are needed in this stressful ball of humanity. I'll take a hug anyday! Being a real estate agent has nothing to do with it! Hug me , what's the problem!
I am a hugger, especially when I meet blogging friends in person. It is like meeting an old family member. I have no problem hugging clients after we have met or at the end of a closing.
Heather - You are absolutely right!
TLW - I would be careful too, especially when sick and the immune system is low.
Patricia McCallum - Can't agree with you more!
Richard - Thanks for visiting my blog, hugging in the business world has to be initiated from the client first. kissing on the cheek or being kissed on the cheek would be totally inappropriate to me.
Joyce - I did not know that hugging was a sign of weakness - When was back in the day?
Patricia Aulson - I would not hug a person I don't know either.
Lisa - I hope you are not the one who gives hugs first, be careful!
Curt - That's right as long as you are the receiver.
Missy - I think meeting blogging friends is a whole different scenario as when meeting clients at first contact.
I'm a big time hugger! I can say 99% of my clients by the time I'm done with a transaction are reaching out to hug me before I can even get my arms out to hug them! My family has always been that way also and it really made my wife uncomfortable at first because her family wasn't that way...
But, now she loves it and can't see herself any other way besides hugging people.