My husband and I are very affectionate in all ways, including physically. My mother was an extremely affectionate person, too. The greatest hug on this earth! I swear! I truly utterly miss that, but at least they live on in my memories.

As for the rest of my family, we aren't particularly physically affectionate. Sort of more if we haven't seen each other in a while, we'll hug and give each other kisses. Not a lot more.

When it comes to friends, I don't really hug or kiss much. I am one to pat friends on the shoulder or generally just reach out and squeeze their arm, when appropriate. I'll say that some friends and acquaintances are more prone to showing physical affection more than me. But I think in some ways it's cultural. For example, I know that some Italians are very physically affectionate. My family is of early colonial Anglo-American background. A little more standoffish, in that sense.

I do initiate handshakes with some new people. Or of those that offer a little more, I don't generally mind. I've had a drunken stranger come and give me a bear hug and kiss in the past. It didn't really scare me because my husband was somewhat nearby. I knew the dude was drunk, so I didn't hold it against him.