Ladies, gather ‘round. It’s time for a little refresher course in social etiquette — the kind that doesn’t come with a drink menu or a side-eye from someone’s wife.
Now, I don’t know what’s been in the water lately, but every other week there’s a new headline about some “prominent figure” greeting someone else’s husband a little too… warmly. The kind of greeting that makes the rest of us clutch our pearls and reach for holy oil.
Let’s get something straight: there are handshakes, and then there are handshakes. One says, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Johnson.” The other says, “If your wife blinks too long, I’ll move in.”
The Innocent Hello vs. The Inappropriate How-Do-You-Do
A friendly wave? Harmless.
A church hug? Acceptable — one arm only, with at least six inches of air between you and his suit jacket.
A double-cheek European-style kiss? Absolutely not. You’re not auditioning for an international perfume commercial.
And please — if you find yourself resting your hand on his chest, shoulder, or lower back during conversation, pause and ask yourself: Is this necessary, or am I channeling my inner daytime soap star?
If the answer involves lingering, laughter, or lip gloss transfer — it’s a no.
Public Service Announcement: Married ≠ May I
Ladies, a man wearing a wedding band is not an invitation to test your charm. It’s a sign of occupancy. Think of it like a “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging around his ring finger.
The problem isn’t always ill intent — sometimes it’s plain lack of awareness. But whether you meant it or not, the optics matter. If your greeting could double as a deleted scene from a romantic comedy, it’s not just “friendly.” It’s flirt adjacent.
And to my happily married sisters, you know the feeling — that moment when someone greets your husband with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for Super Bowl victories. You smile politely, but inside, you’re already praying in King James English.
The Right Way to Say Hello
Let’s bring back the power of the polite nod, the firm handshake, or — my personal favorite — the quick “Hey there, how’s the family?”
You can be warm, engaging, and professional without giving his wife a new reason to watch your Instagram stories with suspicion.
Here’s the rule of thumb: if your greeting would look awkward under church lighting, don’t do it.
Closing Thoughts: Keep It Classy, Keep It Clear
We live in a world where boundaries are blurred and everything becomes a headline. So let’s not add to the chaos. Whether you’re in the boardroom, the green room, or the Sunday-school hallway — respect the ring, respect the spouse, and for the love of decency, keep your hands to yourself.
Because at the end of the day, being a connected woman means knowing how to be warm without crossing the line — gracious without being grabby.
And remember: the only thing you should be laying hands on uninvited… is a prayer request.
