Is it inappropriate to hug a colleague in front of their partner if you always greet with a hug?

I went out somewhere and bumped into a male colleague.

As I've been off for the year on mat leave I've not seen him.

We were both just as excited to see each other.
Anyways he reached his hands out and so did I and did that side hug.
Nothing longer than a few seconds.

Anyways his wife was there and this was my first time meeting her.

And their children, I reached my hand out to shake her hand and she rejected it.

The kids remembered me and gave me high 5's.

I didn't feel odd about hugging him as it's our usual way to greet each other especially as we work in a " family ".

I mean I'm also now 6 months pregnant with my second.

I have had doubts since that I was inappropriate and offended her which wasn't my intention at all. 🫤

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V00doo

So, after the reading the comments I gained a little perspective. We dont know their story.

Ive had women colleagues of my husband openly flirt with him and then expect me to be friendly. Im also incredibly closed as a person if I dont know you, and shaking hands etc.. sometimes makes me hold back because if you've greeted my husband with a hug, where's mine.

There could be all sorts of reasons that might just be known to him and her. And that's ok. Dont take it personally. Youre fine as you are.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@V00doo hey hun, thank you for getting back to me on this.
I completely hear what you're saying and with hindsight I can see that yes perhaps I could have extended the hug. I offered my hand mostly because it's our first meeting and I didn't want her to feel ambushed.

I've been working with him for 3 years and well it's developed into hugs.
It was always more formal. I'm not making excuses (the team and very family orientated and being there so long I'm apart of that family).

I have wholeheartedly taken everything on board and in the event I see her again I will take her warmth on board and act accordingly.

I don't want to make anyone feel like I'm trying to stomp on their relationship.

In regards to the flirting, that is not my style. I think 🤔.

I was kind of warned of a colleagues partner before I didn't know they were dating I thought he was a new employee and was just being friendly and complimented his style as a way to make him feel welcome. But it wasn't well received.
It's something I do with all colleagues but on this occasion it was a definite no. So I respectfully stopped. And made a conscious effort to talk to them both so she could see it wasn't malicious towards her.

V00doo

@Mellowgirl Oh lovely, not you flirting, sorry, lost in translation 🤦‍♀

TurtlePink · 51-55, M

@V00doo exactly!!!