Either as a greeting gesture or a way of celebrating victory, hugs seem to be everywhere today. US Academy Award winner hug all the way from seat to stage and teammates often enjoy full-bodied man hugs after winning soccer games. On US TV shows, hugs between male friends are common. But in daily life, “there are lots of people just a bit reserved ( 矜持的 ) in expressions of physical intimacy,” wrote Peggy Drexler from The Wall Street Journal . In the US, men usually adhere to the one-second rule and favor the A-frame hug—shoulders touching, a high right hand handshake and a couple of quick taps on the other person’s back with your free hand. How about greetings between female friends? “There is no such middle ground for women. It’s either shake or hug,” wrote Drexler. However, even if you obey these rules, there still might be awkward situations, such as when your friend happens to be a non-hugger. “Everyone has his or her own personal sense of boundaries( 界限 ). Don’t take offense if a hug is rejected,” suggested The Examiner . And if you are not comfortable with hugging, below are some useful tips provided by The Wall Street Journal . Take a look. Defend: Keep something (a desk or a person) between you and the potential hugger until the moment passes. Deny: “Sorry, I’m not much of a hugger.” Resist: Take physical control with a stiff ( 有力的 ) handshake and firm elbow that keeps your personal space. Escape: Find something that requires your immediate attention. If nothing comes to mind, drop your mobile phone. Lie: “I really don’t want you to catch this cold I have.” React: When diversion isn’t practical and escape is impossible, accept the hug with an icy ( 冷漠的 ) response and hope that the hugger remembers next time.