The XX Factor: What women really think.

Embrace the Hug? Or Shoot for Shake?

There's been some buzz today about whether Michelle Obama breached protocol by half-hugging the queen during her visit to Buckingham Palace. Given that the answer is a resounding "no," this is likely to die down pretty soon. Still, it's worth watching this CNN clip discussing the nonissue just for the slow-mo, repeated playing of the incident—a treatment better saved for scenes like this.

Buckingham Palace aside, my question about hugging—and maybe this is one for Penny, The Big Money's new advice columnist—is in what work settings an embrace is appropriate. I've often found myself the only female in a conference room, and as we go around doing obligatory hellos, I watch the men give one another hearty handshakes, then reach out to me for a hug. I find handshakes a bit forced and am generally happy to hug. Still, it feels like a slight of some sort not to be greeted by the same professional custom given to the guys. Should I more aggressively thrust out my hand so they grab that instead? Am I reading too much into this? (Judging by today's news coverage, though, it's fair game to overanalyze hugs.)