Being from L.A., I've seen all sorts of random things that I've never thought twice about.  This weekend in vegas though, I saw something that for some reason stuck out to me this time.  While eating at Dal Toro in Palazzo, I saw what I assumed was a normal civvie date.  The (about 35) guy got up, stuck his hand out for a handshake, she (same age) looked almost surprised, shook his hand and they both sat and started talking.  Bits of the conversation lead me to believe this was a regular first date from two people who have either never met or only talked on the phone.  That got me thinking.
Ladies - for first dates (the civvie kind), assuming you've never met in person and have only talked on the phone a few times, do you prefer a hug or a handshake on that first meeting?  Me, personally, I always thought handshakes were too formal, and business-y.  Thoughts?

IF it is a strictly platonic and no chemistry then sure

but if you are on a date who you want to have a romantic prospect with, I want a hug

if he shakes my hand instead, that is a HUGE sign lol

If I'm meeting someone for the first time & he shakes my hand, I will think he is not interested in me romantically & will try to end the date within 30 min or less.
But if he gives me a hug then I'm hoping our date goes well & will lead to more dates plus physical interactions

...on top of your hand, sort of caressing it?

Sometimes I will kiss a woman's hand.  It's corny but they usually think it's cute.

A hug can be too intrusive.  Some women might think it violates their "personal space", especially if they've never met in person.  Aaaahhh, who the hell knows what women are thinking!!

-- Modified on 10/1/2012 4:03:14 AM

Raising my head, flaring my nostrils, and deeply inhaling the air all the while telling her from memory the scent, and brand of the beauty products she's wearing works wonders. Hannibal Lecter was a charmer.

Love your suit!

grip on my ass during a hug!
Just kidding.
I think a hug and a kiss on the cheek...something warm and not business-like. But at the end of the date I am not looking for DFK. I want a courtship. But if the chemistry is there...I want more!

would go out on a civie date without having met the guy?

Do blind blind dates really still happen? Menaing, not having been introduced by a 3rd party.

a small kiss on the lips is entirely appropriate..it shows interest and affection..handshakes are a turn off..as long as you dont embarrass her in a public setting..a kiss should be a prelude to what is to come..anticipation is a huge part of melding..

....handshake seems a little too formal even for a first date.  I like a good friendly "nice to see you" hug & a cheek kiss.

While most civvie guys I go on dates with (when I do date, that is) aren't young guys with raging hormones and who, for the most part, know how to control themselves, some guys will automatically start thinking dirty thoughts and thinking of ways to get me laid the instant they feel my body when they hug me. Yes, those guys still do exist. LOL. But a hug is innocent and harmless IMO. A handshake would be a little formal for me, but I would still enjoy the date and think of it as him being respectful.

THAT is kind of old fashioned and romantic, would remind me of Rhett Butler and I prob would be all smiles lol

is funny... in fact, that creepy song immediately to my head

"it puts lotion on the skin"

hahaaha

Date or no date....romantic or platonic... first or the millionth meet, I give a hug and kiss on the cheek when greeting someone unless I really dont like someone...then Ill just lean in somewhat and tap my cheek to theirs, not actually hug or kiss them.  Thats my idea of a cold greeting, which isnt that cold I guess lol

It could be a Miami / Latin American thing though because when I travel or someone is visiting, and I greet them that way they are taken a bit aback sometimes.  Not in a bad way, just in a "oh wow I wasnt expecting that" kind of way.