Dear Queenie,
I’m a girl who was taught to be polite and shake hands with someone when I’m introduced to them or meet up with them, but very often when the other person is an adult, especially if it’s a man, they will say, “Girls don’t shake hands,” and try to hug me. I don’t mind if it’s a relative or a friend or someone I know well, but I don’t like it from anyone else.
Queenie, how do I stop them from hugging me without being rude?—Offended
Dear Offended,
Step away from them, smile, and say (politely), “I would rather shake hands.” If they persist in trying to hug you, they are the ones who are being rude.
