[Aswdwdfg]

then we often squeeze each other's arms. Men do that, too? I didn't realize that... that's my favorite part! It's mostly for more intimate people I meet...relatives and the what not.

I'm working my way through a ».ñ level book now on culture, religion, and customs and there are several chapters to teach the kids on how to wai. They certainly rely on the formal structure -- and wai-ing upon meeting the parents is a must.
When I went to school in Thailand we formed a line to wai a representative of the teachers as we came and as we left. And I wai-ed my folks before I left and immediately upon my return.

I don't see it as a superficial contradiction. In a culture that is sometimes less visually affectionate, I find it to be a meaningful gesture.

....a fun thread might be on "wai-ing mistakes"...we've all made them. At the top of my list...

I arrived in the country and went to my sister's house. Her friends were all there and I wai-ed them per appropriateness. One of her friends was in the bathroom. I missed the friend and was excited to see her...and so for some reason, I decided to jump up and wai her as she came out .... as she came out... of the shower, dripping with water clutching quite a small towel. Ooops! Luckily she laughed and replied, "Those darned farangs sure love to wai!"

I also have my first ever wai captured on film. Oh that was ugly!