-
sponsorship
Per our discussion about whether handshakes or hugs are more appropriate in workplace settings, I think it's safe to say that the Obamas' meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni, provides absolutely zero guidance.
As we can see from the photo, Sarkozy gave Michelle Obama the Euro-style cheek kiss, while his wife gave Barack Obama a more formal handshake. But, as these photos from the British Sun show, Ms. Bruni greeted Mrs. Obama with smooches on the cheek, and the two presidents hugged.
I'll try to keep all of this in mind the next time I'm meeting a world leader.
-
sponsorship
To answer Sam's valid query about what to do when you meet someone new, in a formal or informal setting: HANDSHAKE. Always. Why on earth are we hugging? The last time I hugged a total stranger was at a three-hour spoken-word extravaganza before which the performers worked the crowd and foisted deep, yogic hugs upon innocent spectators. Too crunchy, dude.
And, Hanna, growing up as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants (there, a small curtsy is expected from young women), I was told over and over again that a poor handshake would sully all future impressions, and I had better do it right. Not too firm, said my mother, not too jerky, and smile—with an expression hovering between thoughtfulness and elation. This is the kind of thing I am going to subliminally transmit to my children—with good reason! A solid shake is socially irreplaceable, whether one is "fresh off the boat" or long since assimilated.