I'll be honest, I'm almost always unsure with handshake etiquette. I'm never sure if I should go with a handshake or hug. Is a hug too weird if I don't know this person? Is a handshake too formal? And then there are the [relatively few] times I just smile and wave, but does that come off as unfriendly? I'm never sure, so I just go on a case by case basis, pick one, and go with it.

Strength is also a big question mark for me. I have a pretty firm handshake, but I'm also never too sure if it's too firm and I'm squeezing the poor *******'s hand or what.

I mean, it's not something that keeps me up at night, but it's definitely something I'm always unsure about.

1. In my opinion, no situation is too informal for a handshake. It applies everywhere.
2. I don't think anyone will get mad if you have a firm handshake, but employers and such might see a weak handshake as a lack of resolve. I mean, unless you're crushing and grinding their knuckles (like kids would do back in grade school :P), it's probably not too firm.
3. I think hugs are weird if I've never ever met you before. Otherwise it doesn't matter.

I usually go with a handshake for "hello, nice to meet you," and a hug for goodbye.

But I do still soemtimes consciously remind myself to lighten up my handshake a little. I don't grind anyone's knuckles, but still

hugs are fine if you are attractive and not a tease.

Otherwise they are a tease to people from the real world where you only hug people youre ****ing

I didn't know that was the rule in the real world O_o

I hugged my cousin's boyfriend at Thanksgiving! Oh noes!

wtf how have you been reading the fan fiction I write about you!?

Wait, what?

Yeah, what?