Vice President Joe Biden clearly takes a hands on approach when it comes to his day job.

Tuesday, at Defense Sec. Ash Carter‘s swearing-in ceremony, Biden got all touchy feely with Carter’s wife, Stephanie. From the pictures, it looks like he’s whispering sweet nothings into her right ear. He’s also getting a good whiff of her shampoo.

Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt: Perhaps he was trying to be comforting after her spill on the ice at the Pentagon this morning while she was accompanying her husband on his first day on the job.

Biden also took a firm grip on the woman’s shoulders.

She doesn’t necessarily look uncomfortable, but then again we’re not mind readers.

In December, 2013, Biden grabbed the waist of The Hill’s White House reporter Amie Parnes at a White House holiday party. As she appeared to protect her underboob, he veered dangerously close to her abdomen. The picture quickly went viral.

Clearly laughs were had by all. Happy holidays!