Step back, with your hand out. Grab their hand to shake it, first.

This is just funny...

This one has actual helpful advice...

Step back and give them the "Namaste"

I have not experienced the hugs and kisses on greeting strangers that seems a rather strange custom to me. Hugs to me seem that they are a thing better reserved for friends or family as a greeting or parting.

Quick knee to the groin.

I'm a brit too - Awkward eh! could you carry a large folded umbrella and point it in his direction. The direct approach might work "Sorry I don't do hugs!"

Flat hand out with the stop signal, but smiling, say "Not today, sorry". But immediately offer the handshake. Give a firm squeeze and two brisk shakes, while saying "Great to see you!" with full eye contact. Also compliment him on how his hair looks.

Good question. If I see it coming, and it is someone I do not know well, I will turn away but it does make me look rude. Most of the time, I just put up with it if it comes from another woman.

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You have to be fast but when they're stepping in arms raised I stiff arm their shoulder and push them away and say out loud not to touch me. They will not do it again.

Hand up in a stop motion and say I'm not a hugger. If they persist, push back.

Hugging and kissing when introduced is out of order. I'm British too but, the Spanish IMHO seem to have it worked out. When first introduced you nod. The second time you shake hands. The third time, or after not seeing them for a while, you kiss, lightly, on both cheeks. You don't hug.

And while I'm on the subject, what do you guys think about people who give a "side hug"? Why just not bother?

As I grow older, I find people are growing more tactile much to my regret. Bro-hugs, chest bumps, fist bumps. Jeez. One good three pump handshake and I'm good for about 6 weeks. But if I admit this to their face, I'm the bad guy. Go figure.

I have found it is usually effective to carefully evaluate each encounter, smile and if your detect the slightest attempt of a hug attempt from the other person, place your hand out and for a firm hand shake and "nice to meet you or "hello" etc. leaving lots of room so they can no longer initiate a hug.

I would suggest quickly extending the hand you wish to shake and hover your other one over the Taser® hanging on your belt.

Some times I just need a hug

Bare your canines and hiss

Be polite and calm and tell them. fuck their feelings as there not respecting yours. body language should say everything.

If I'm trying to be gallant, I take their hand and touch to my forehead. Otherwise I just shake it.

LOL. In Argentina -where I am from- people never greeted e/o with hugs and kisses....but, during my last visit to the homeland I noticed this healthy tradition had began to fade; many now kiss & hug.

How I stop them? Easy. When they approach me with their arm ready to squeeze me... I extend my hand to them. They hesitate for few seconds and, then, shake my hand.

I'm with the others who said shake hands. Just extend your hand straight towards them to maintain space when you offer it.

wear a very pointy Pinocchio nose. always carry around a big box with both arms.

Smile and say "no touching " lol

Yes you may be assumed to be after everybody's husband but that shouldn't work with what they think,for hugs and kisses I think the world is changing very fast with people from different backgrounds and culture so you have to say yes /no something in order not to offend anyone or yourself