In case you didn’t get the memo, hugs have replaced handshakes in the new American workplace. Here’s your how-to guide for the new hug protocol:

• The Full Frontal: Your standard bear hug. Total body contact, heart-to-heart embrace and firm squeeze. For parents, children and good friends.
• The Ass-Out Hug: Nothing touches below the shoulders. Appropriate for the office and bad first dates.
• The Hip-Hop Hug: A.k.a. the man hug and the hetero hug. A manly shake-and-squeeze combo. Shake with right hand and hug with left, two slaps on the back. Favored by President Obama and demonstrated in the photo at right.

If you are still in hand-shaking mode, I’ve got a goody for you too. From the wise and wired John Kobara (that’s John in the photo), handshaking instruction from President Clinton:

1. Slow down and take your time.
2. Direct eye contact and smile.
3. Firm grip and little or no shaking.
4. Take the other hand and grab the forearm or elbow of the other person.

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UPDATE: For how to chest-bump like President George Bush, Jr., click on the Comments section below. Thank you to JoyofHC reader Richard Lai for the tip.