Goodbye People Hand Leaving Time Close Coworkers Move

In the United States, the way that people say goodbye depends on how long the "separation" (the amount of time that two people are apart) will be, and how close the relationship is.

Saying goodbye for a short separation is usually informal. For example, if you're saying goodbye to your coworkers at the end of the workday, you might simply say "bye" as you walk past their offices. If you want to be more formal or professional, you might say goodbye by giving someone a "handshake," where you briefly hold each other's right hand and move your arms up and down. If you need to say goodbye to someone who is further away, you can "wave" to him or her. "To wave" is to put one's right hand in the air with the fingers pointing up and gently move that hand in the air. To say goodbye to a very close friend or relative, you might give a hug. Americans normally do not kiss each other on the cheeks to say goodbye.

When there is going to be a longer separation, saying goodbye is more formal. Usually people take time to wish the other person a safe trip or good luck ("Have a safe trip," or "Good luck!"). They often promise to "keep in touch" by writing or calling while they are apart.

When a coworker is leaving to accept a new job, or when a friend is moving to another city, people usually have a "going away party." At these parties, all of the coworkers or friends of the person who is leaving get together to eat, drink, and say goodbye. The person who is leaving is usually given a card that is signed by everyone, and sometimes a nice gift, too.