Miss Manners: “All my life I have bent over to hug women,” says a 6-foot-tall man

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a man, 1.90 meters tall and 62 years old. Throughout my life, I have found myself bowing when greeting women for whom a welcoming hug is appropriate. My aunts, cousins, sisters, and many others could raise their arms in the air and initiate a hug.

When women (no matter what age) hug me, they always want to put their arms over mine – their arms are practically around my neck during the hug. Imagine me bending over and hugging my 4-foot-tall mother-in-law.

I wonder: Is this just hugging etiquette? Would I be in violation if I simply held my arms over hers and allowed myself to bend less? Is it a rule or a custom?

GOOD READER: This is not a rule, and Miss Manners allows you to bend only as far as is compatible with your principles and your back.

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(Please send your questions to Miss Manners on her website. www.missmanners.com; to your email, [email protected]; or by mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)