Of all the greetings, I find, "How are you keeping?", the most interesting. I've heard "How ya keepin'" in parts of Washington State but I always wonder what you are supposed to be keeping. I think it means something like, "Are you keeping in good health these days?"

I also find that a nod of the head seems to be the most common greeting. It almost seems like an unspoken, universal greeting. I wonder if there is any culture that would consider it rude.

In Vancouver, its a nod to others in the community and sometimes hi or hello.

If you know them, its usually a hug and a kiss.

I love it when I'm out walking and children wave from their yards and porches and call-out hi.

This is a great thread, Cha Cha.