http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2014/10/kissing-business-acquaintances
Do u kiss business associates of the opposite sex in social settings? Or are u firmly a handshaker?
Fist-bump, anyone?
No kisses, ever.
Yuck.
Kissing is very common around our neighborhood. Usually one kiss. Where I lived in France (Tours) it was two kisses. But when I visited a young woman I’d met further east it was three kisses.
The German DCM in Tanzania when my parents lived there used to kiss women’s hands.
It’s standard protocol in some countries - most notably Brazil- so I do it. It doesn’t seem any more unusual than, say, adjusting your handshake to be weaker in China or learning how to present business cards in Japan.
I do have clients where we hug when we see each other - we have a long standing relationship and a handshake is too formal.
Ha- just saw the article and it reminded me I actually had a conversation with a French colleague about how many times one should kiss and how it differed by region! I think the same is true in Brazil IIRC.
Solid handshake, but unlike the author, I don’t think there’s even 100% clarity on that. A tall, football player size man with whom I’ve done business gives a very light handshake. I wondered why and I was reminded he has a small wife, he’s probably accustomed to making extra effort to be gentle. In some groups men and women don’t shake hands. There are also women who put out their hand with a barely there gesture. As a woman, I find it very off-putting when another woman does this. My interpretation is that she doesn’t care for me much, is distracted, does this as a normal habit, or perhaps likes to think of herself as above another. I notice some men from other countries or cultures also give a lighter handshake as a norm.
I must be very huggable. Friendly business associates will hug me from time to time, more so when we meet out for lunch or dinner. But I have had the range of finger crushing shakes and wet, limp fish. I’m usually hoping no one is about to get really ill and pass it along to me.
Yes, culturally, the role of a firm handshake is very different across cultures. Here in the US, and in most of W Europe, a firm handshake signals self-confidence and a hearty “pleased to meet / work with you” demeanor. In Asia and the Middle East, a firm handshake is seen as aggressive and territory-claiming, so the norm is a very weak handshake. You just simply have to adjust to where you are. Having said that, and granted I work with multinational companies / clients (many of whom have spent significant time in the US or UK), no one sits and takes personal offense at the “wrong” maneuver - they all know that different people have different cultural norms. Everyone sort of just smiles and meets in the middle. The big thing, though, is the business cards in Japan. That is taken QUITE seriously and you do have to be very conscious of treating the card itself with respect. Don’t ever do something like grab it with one hand and tuck it in your pocket!
Our french friends do four kisses!
^^^
ahh…the French!
I don’t even like kissing relatives–never done in my family–a somewhat standoffish hug is the max, even with my mother. My wife’s family, from Eastern Europe, kisses twice. I’ve compromised–one kiss for my mother-in-law.
Kissing actually touches your body less, a little peck on the cheek. It’s charming. Four kisses leaves you a bit dizzy switching cheeks each time. It ends up to be eight kisses if you are meeting a couple.
Which cheek should u peck first?
nonononononono
When I went to France as a 23 y/o college grad for a seven month trip, I met many people. I will never forget, early in my trip, my friend introducing me to another young woman, and she leaned forward to kiss me. It was COMPLETELY reflexive that I pulled back away from her quickly. She was embarrassed, and I was mortified, as my friend quickly explained to her in French “oh don’t mind her, they don’t do that in the US.” I felt really really bad.
^… 
When they kiss in France their body doesn’t touch you anywhere else. They lean forward slightly for the cheek. It’s done lightly and fast. Quite discreet actually.
I had a dutch roommate once. She kissed me on the lip when she was going home for a visit. I can’t say I liked it.
uote]^… When they kiss in France their body doesn’t touch you anywhere else. They lean forward slightly for the cheek. It’s done lightly and fast. Quite discreet actually.
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Yes, I know that. I lived there for over 7 months. At that particular moment, I just reacted instinctively to someone invading my personal space without permission.
I wouldn’t exactly say it’s discreet, but I grew to appreciate the sentiment.
I give and receive hugs but rarely kisses and never more than one cheek. Mostly its business social where there are any kisses. Hugs vary depending on field and geographic area–public health, nonprofit and HI = lots of hugs.
It’s hard to keep the kiss count straight w my friends/associates, which can lead to awkward face smooshes when I miscalculate.