What are your thoughts on why someone I work with from another agency hugged me?

[Anonymous]

There is a representative i've connected with to conduct workshops at my location. Usually he and I connect via email or phone. He popped up today and I side hugged him and said happy new year. After we discussed the upcoming workshop and it seemed like he wasn't in any rush to head back to his office because he was making small talk. We got back on track and confirmed the workshop info and though I said I can finalize via email he said he will probably pop by next week.. And then proceeded to ask if it's ok. I said sure and he said great. As we were saying bye he stretched out both arms wide and hugged me super chest to chest tight and long. Like the man was not trying to let go at all. So I was just wondering do males just hug their female co-workers like that?

[N192K001]

I'd agree with @perfectchaos in that what's appropriate for greeting others pretty much depends on culture.

For the Japanese, that is highly inappropriate. But, I've seen people from Mediterranean cultures even trading kisses on each cheek like it were normal. In the U. S., handshakes seem utterly vital in large corporations, but sometimes non-existent in smaller, more-casual businesses.

It pretty much depends. If your company configuration & his culture were specified, it would be easier to clarify this.

[perfectchaos]

I try not to even look at them without first being greeted by them because I really don't feel like meeting our HR that day. Some cultures though that's normal. My friends mother gets mad at me if I dont hug her hi. Also 2 jobs ago their was girl who came from Italy and made me hug her to greet her. She did that to everyone.