To Kiss or Not to Kiss

Ok....Not that kind of kiss...But I still love that photo. So romantic and spontaneous, and of course, French.

 

When you're faced with the dilemma of whether or not a kiss on the cheek when greeting someone is appropriate, it's important to read your audience.

In many countries a kiss can be a social greeting that is certainly not reserved just for your nearest and dearest. 

To avoid leaving lipstick (or awkwardness), press your cheek, instead of your lips, against theirs and kiss the air beside their face. If you happen to bump foreheads along the way, just laugh it off as an icebreaker....Not that I have any experience with that! :-/

Reserved Brits and Germans are often more comfortable shaking hands; in this case, offer your hand before the person you're greeting has a chance to lean in for a kiss, to save embarrassment. Make your handshake firm, but not bone crunching (men!). Look the person in the eye and smile at the same time. Friends' parents, prospective employers, and older people should be greeted with a handshake, as a general rule. Hugs should only be proffered to true friends. 

One last note on kissing: keep it sweet. Your breath, that is. Yes, I'm talking to you my fellow garlic loving Italians.

Here is a handy "kiss guide" for you. Happy Smooching.

United States - One or two kisses.

UK - One or two for family and close friends. Stick to the handshake for the safe option.

Canada - One or two.

Australia and New Zealand - One or none.

France - 2 kisses (in Paris) or 4 kisses (in Southern France). It's more a cheek to cheek greeting where only cheeks are touching.

Switzerland (French speaking part) - 3 kisses on the cheek, starting on the right.

Netherlands - Three kisses. If you are greeting an elderly or close member of the family, add a few more to show your affection, always ending with the cheek you started with (Phew! That's alot of rules!) 

Germany - One or two for close family or friends, but handshakes are the norm. Sometimes friends will shake hands and kiss at the same time. 

Italy - Two light kisses, starting on the right cheek. On first introduction, expect a handshake.

Spain - Two kisses; right cheek first.

Scandinavia - Two kisses

Russia - Handshake on the first greeting, thereafter, hugs or three kisses.