I have a friend that will typically tell people they don't shake hands and say, apologetically, that their hands are very sweaty. Followed by a "aw shucks, I'm sorry" face. And when they see family, they don't typically hug or air kiss or anything. In my culture though, it's much more of a big deal, generally. . .
As for showing signs of respect/kinship like that, I've offended my parents and possibly the person because I'm not a touchy-feely person myself either. But because I'm part of a more collectivist culture, we have our different signs of respect and don't want to bring shame to our families. So I end up air kissing people who are related to me but I barely have contact with, if at all. It's just a courtesy and takes like three to five seconds of my time so meh. I especially have to respect my elders so I grew up as a shy but obedient child.
Really though, you get over it and eventually will have to pick your battles on it. I've gotten lectures on being "disrespectful" and I feel "bad" for a few seconds before moving on.
Again, everyone is different so I suggest you try not to let it get to you, as difficult as that is.
As for showing signs of respect/kinship like that, I've offended my parents and possibly the person because I'm not a touchy-feely person myself either. But because I'm part of a more collectivist culture, we have our different signs of respect and don't want to bring shame to our families. So I end up air kissing people who are related to me but I barely have contact with, if at all. It's just a courtesy and takes like three to five seconds of my time so meh. I especially have to respect my elders so I grew up as a shy but obedient child.
Really though, you get over it and eventually will have to pick your battles on it. I've gotten lectures on being "disrespectful" and I feel "bad" for a few seconds before moving on.
Again, everyone is different so I suggest you try not to let it get to you, as difficult as that is.