How do you greet people?

I think it’s so interesting to learn how different cultures and personalities feel so strongly about how we greet people.

I’m Spanish, and I’m a giver so when I meet you I’ll likely greet you with a hug. Hug - an act of holding someone tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection.

There are studies that show hugs are actually good for our health:

• Hugging helps lower our stress throughout the day.

• Hugs can also give our immune system a healthy boost.

• Hugs might even lower heart rates and blood pressure.

• A few good squeezes could lead to decreased depression.

So I’ll stand by my hugs as my go to greeting.

Unless I know you don’t like hugs - I’m not here to make you uncomfortable.

Today I went into the London office for the first time this year. The officer cleaner was there, we looked at each other and both smiled. I went over, arms wide and gave her a big hug. She hugged me back, but what she said after surprised me.

“Nadia, that’s a real hug, I could feel your love and energy through that hug, thank you, it doesn’t happen often”

What’s my take away - if you do something, do it well, and do it with intention.

Whether you’re shaking someone’s hand, giving them a wave, hugging or sharing a kiss, put in the effort and do it with meaning.

Our authenticity makes a difference, it impacts our lives and those around us.