1. I repeat, do not expect everyone in a culture to be same!

2. In South Texas, if you're talking to a male, they will often stand at a 90 degree angle to you. If you move to reorient, a "dance" will begin. This is a markedly non-intimate position, and often eyes are cast down to floor or out across floor. South Texans generally say "Pleased to know you," while Mid Westerners say, "Pleased to meet you" or "Pleased to make your acquaintance." In social settings in South Texas, it is not customary to shake hands with women. Other San Antonio cultural customs -- in San Antonio society, we have haute hug - two women will parody a hug, not touching any part of their bodies, and just patting one another lightly on back. As a sign of affection, when you shake hands, sometimes you cover other person's hand with your left hand and pat or squeeze with warm eye contact. This is particularly done with respected older people.

3. Be aware that most of world does not greet by shaking hands.

4. People from Asian cultures bow in greeting, but bows are different. People from Cambodia and Laos bow with both hands together in front of chest, as if praying. In Japan, depth of bow signifies level of respect for other party. Many Koreans prefer bowing and if they shake hands, right hand is supported at wrist by left hand to show respect. Thais bow with palms together about chest-high with their fingers outstretched. And, there are exceptions. The Taiwanese usually nod head in recognition rather than bow. 5. Some cultures naturally greet by hugging. Native Hawaiians hug each other, exchanging breaths. The custom is called "ha." Ancient Hawaiians, incidentally, actually bumped heads together. Mexicans use abrazo. Greeks and Italians often hug with or without shaking hands first.