I hug friends/family hello and goodbye. My dad's side of the family we usually kiss on the cheek as well.
I will say, it's only since I've been with DH who is Dominican, that I've had to get used to the "hug hello" when FIRST meeting someone. All of his immediate and extended family, even including people that aren't family that I met in DR, give hugs hello. I felt very American sticking out my hand to shake and they go in for the hug ...I've learned now if it's his family/friends that it will be a hug.
I follow the lead of whatever my friend wants to do, which usually is to hug.
I am an introvert, a northern New Englander, and of Scandinavian ancestry. So my natural inclination is to feel warmly about you but in no way touch you, lol.
No. My family doesn't hug or kiss each other, either. My MIL is a big hugger and also tries to kiss me on the mouth. I have perfected a double-juke so that at least the kiss lands on my cheek or in my hair.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown
I grew up in a non hugger/kisser family. H's family (Italian) all do the giant bear hug/kiss on the cheek combo. I've gotten used to it and now I'm a hugger. But not a kisser, lol
Hugs are reserved for close friends and immediate family. My closest friends sometimes get a cheek kiss (mainly if I've had wine); parents get a kiss. I'm stingy with my affection.