Ever the old school, my father would say
A stare and a handshake is the only proper way;
My mother, yin to his yang, always preached a smile;
My aunt a jaunty wave, wink or other wile;
My uncle preferred laughter, blustering, bombastic;
My cousin would nod and frown (often sarcastic);
My brother slapped backs, shoulders in lieu;
My sister would peacock every humour and hue;
I, however, have settled on the simple, tried and true −
‘Hello, nice to meet you, how do you do?’