The Proper Way to Greet a Friend

Want to know one of the best feelings in the world? I'm sure just by giving that prompt, there are many things that could pop into your head. You might be thinking about getting married to your love, watching your child being born, riding on the highest rollercoaster, climbing Mt. Everest, passing the bar exam or eating the best taco at your favorite mexican restaurant. There are so many that could be on this list, however, there is only one feeling that I'm going to reference in this post.

Recently I went out of town for a few days at a dance event. When I returned, I knew what I was getting into. So I go through a routine to ensure I protect myself from the mawling I'm about to enter into. It typically involves lots of bags that cover all sides including front and back. It makes entering the home difficult since there isn't any room for me to handle my keys and open the door without putting anything down. If you know anything about guys, then you know the hidden rule we all follow...

Only one trip. If you don't know what that is. Ask the guy next to you.

The keys jingles, as I fumble them in my hand looking for the right one. I unlock the door, which is even harder during the winter months, and quickly open it to let the mayhem ensue. I'm greeted by Julio and Celia. My two very excited, insane dogs. Their tails wagging, their butts shaking in the air and their excited yelps fill the entry way. Panting is a must and it quickly turns into the part where I need my armor. Celia likes to jump and being the canines that they are, they like to nip (which I'm still working on the 1 year old dutch shepherd).

I block one attack and then another, then my backpack blocks the sneak attack from behind. In a few minutes, the excitement wears down and then I can put my bags down. It's like they had a sugar rush and it wore off leaving them back to a normal state of dog-ness.

I love when I'm greeted by my dogs. It's the best. They have this innate way of making you feel like you've been severely missed regardless if you left for a week or just left the room to use the restroom and back again. Love every moment of that greeting.

Why can't we greet that way? Why can't we be that excited to see a friend of ours or loved one? Have you ever tried to be as excited as your dog to say hi to someone you're meeting for the first time. I think we can learn from our canine friends how a proper greeting should be. OK. Maybe not go to the natural meet and greet dogs go through when they first meet each other. I'm talking about the meet and greet when you come home from a trip, jumping up and down, tail wagging butt shaking sort of greeting.

The next time you meet a friend, relative, spouse, partner, boss, coworker or that random person walking by you in the morning; try greeting them with an excited greeting that makes them feel like someone special. that sort of feeling is infectious and I'm sure it will be a win win situation that will make everyone's day.

Cheers!

JG