pam’s posterous

Found this March 7, 2008 post on The Art of Manliness  but oh so absolutely appropriate for this time of year when holiday gatherings demand the meet and greet:

“A firm, hearty handshake is always an appropriate way for men to greet each other. But when men achieve a greater familiarity, a man hug becomes appropriate. Some men fear male on male hugging of any kind. But done in an appropriate way, men can still hug while remaining secure in their manhood. Here’s how:

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/03/07/the-mechanics-of-the-man-hug/&feature=player_embedded

“As a final note, some men, especially here in America, are not quite comfortable with the fully embracing style of hugging even when done correctly. Thankfully there is a bridge between the handshake and the bear hug: the American man hug. With the American man hug comes certain protocol and procedure that men haven’t articulated, but nonetheless follow. These unspoken rules allow men to hug each other without feeling like they’re being wussy.

The How of the American Man Hug
1. Begin with a traditional firm handshake
2. Keeping your hand clasped with your buddy, wrap the left arm around the shoulder of your friend.
3. Slap your friend’s back two times. The back slap is key. Somehow hitting your fellow man makes the hug more manly.
4. Release embrace.

When to American Man Hug
Man hugging is not appropriate with every man you come in contact with. It carries with it a certain intimacy that should be reserved for close friends and family. If you were to try to man hug a new acquaintance, you would probably be greeted with stiff awkwardness. However, if you’ve developed a bond after your initial introduction, a goodbye hug may be appropriate upon parting.”

************************
And remember, guys: practice makes perfect! =)

Read the full piece on The Art of Manliness blog by Antonio Centeno, president of bespoke tailors A Tailored Suit. 

Or just get the gist of his good advice:

1. Layer – learn to overlap cotton and wool clothing appropriately
[Centeno says cotton first, close to the body, and then wool]
An ideal cold weather holiday outfit would combine 100% cotton underwear and dress shirt with a pair of wool trousers coupled with a wool sweater and jacket protected by a wool overcoat. If you find yourself sweating, you can rest assured knowing the cotton will wick the moisture from your skin and your wool jacket will absorb it with no noticeable effects. And by layering, you can always adjust your own personal thermostat by un-layering (try to keep your jacket on….unless the party gets lively!).

2. Invest in an Overcoat
You iron your shirt, polish your shoes, and adjust your tie - only to ruin the entire presentation by tossing on a bright red ski coat or old leather motorcycle jacket. Does this sound familiar? When it comes to a professional looking coat, many of us look at this as a luxury. But in the winter, your outerwear is the first and last thing many people will see you wearing. If the event is outside, it’s the only thing they’ll see. Far from being a luxury, a good overcoat is must for any man living in a region that experiences cold weather.  [Good point!]

3. Wear a Jacket

1. Jackets build up your shoulders; this makes you look taller, and broad shoulders create a more masculine appearance.
2. A jacket and dress shirt fits within the business casual dress code – this means you can skip the tie.
3. For those with larger midsections, a jacket helps hide extra weight.
4. Interior pockets are a great place to keep phones, money, business cards, and beats stuffing your trouser pockets.
5. When your date or significant other says she’s cold, you have an instant solution.
6. It just looks cooler.  [Need to tell my husband this.]

4. Avoid the Seasonal Tie & Socks [Yes! Yes! YES!!!]
Clip-on Christmas ties with Santa Claus and the bright red socks with Frosty the Snow Man: really, why do we do this to ourselves?

5. Opt for Dark Trousers or Jeans
As men, the one time you forget to “shake” properly is when you are going to be stuck confronting your date with an embarrassing wet spot near your crotch.
[Heh-heh, something I would have not thought about…]

6. Always carry a Handkerchief
A gentleman should always be ready to help a lady, child, or fellow man in need.
[Ahhh, as did my father and father-in-law – gentlemen to the core and a long lost breed.]