I have found that, in the main, Mudcatters hug, A LOT,
My family were very "Not-Touchy" so I had, at quite a late stage( 20's) to LEARN about social hugging, Now I think it is real good, and Ok with me, with men it is a case of watching for that "hesitation" that says" I am not comfortable with being hugged" then I will change to a handshake, but a hug , I find is a much warmer, more friendly greeting, and I prefer them. At the Getaway last year and before and after, Both at Mudcat gatherings here in the UK and in the US I have been hugged by practically EVERY mudcatter I have met and that is somewhere close to a Hundred or more now!!!!
So Grit your teeth Fielding and take it like a man, as the genuine sign of affection which it means to the people you meet, and in NO time you will be enjoying it!!