Just Saying Hello...

I've been noticing recently that the typical traditional "handshake" that I used to receive as a greeting, at church in particular, seems to be morphing into something a little less formal.  I'm wondering if it's just a passing phase within our society in general or if it's limited to the new group of people I'm getting to know?  Granted, the handshake is still used, but I'm finding other greetings seem to be more prevalent.

First of all, I've never greeted with so many hugs in my life.  I don't know why it seemed foreign to me initially.  Not uncomfortable necessarily.  I just don't think I was used to it...well, not THAT much hugging from THAT many people at least.  I started getting greeted by hugs from people I hardly knew.  I'd go to shake their hand, and I'd find myself getting pulled in for more.  I started realizing how much it made me feel welcomed and how quickly it made me feel like family.  Haha...kind of like this...

The other phenomenon I've noticed is how many high fives I get when I walk into church.  They're always offered with enthusiasm, and I find it funny how they come in many multiple forms.  There's the high five up high...sometimes issued with a slight spring in your step.  There's the parallel hand slap that turns into a handshake and sometimes morphs into a half hug.  And there's the increasingly popular fist bump issued with the directive to "pound it!".  With all these different variations, I thought it might be valuable to share some helpful tips and lessons on high five etiquette for those of you who aren't quite up to speed on this greeting style.  :-)

No matter what form it might be in, I'm coming to realize how important it really is to communicate a welcoming and friendly atmosphere at church especially.  As is true in most areas of life, first impressions are critical.  People can be so easily turned off by cold, sterile, unfriendly, and unwelcoming attitudes.  We all need to work at it...not just the "greeters" at the front door.  So offer a smile.  Shake a hand.  Give a hug.  Jump up, high five, and throw in a chest bump.  I don't care how you do it.   For goodness sakes, just say hello!