Less formal occasions (family get-togethers, neighborhood barbecues, and casual lunches) may warrant the traditional hug and lips-on-cheek kiss, especially if you see the person you’re greeting on a regular basis.
Family members and close friends might be offended at an air kiss’ subtle implication that you don’t know them well enough for a hug or a real kiss.
As you’re going in for the kiss, it’s not uncommon to brush cheeks gently.
As you’re going in for the kiss, it’s not uncommon to brush cheeks gently.
A sound effect, like a discreet kissing sound is generally seen as a friendly and feminine gesture to further embellish the greeting.
In North America, it is common for acquaintances or close friends to give one or two air kisses, starting with the right cheek. Men and men generally do not kiss, though men kiss women and women kiss women often. Air kisses are more popular in large cities, as well as in parts of Quebec and New England. In the United Kingdom, air kisses between upper class friends are common. It’s considered unusual, though not unacceptable, for two men to air kiss. In Spain and Italy, it’s generally two kisses, starting with the right or the left cheek, depending on the region. In France, it will be two, three or four kisses depending on the region. [2] X Research source If you don’t know, check first or go for two kisses. Usually the air kiss is done when meeting with women, but men air kiss each other as well. French people are usually air kissing when meeting and leaving at anytime of the day. In the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium, three kisses are expected. In Southern and Eastern Europe, air kissing is a common form of greeting between friends and acquaintances. [3] X Research source In Jordan, it is one to the left cheek and several to the right, depending on how much you like the person. In Latin America, it can be one, two or three kisses. This depends on the location and person. Air kisses are often used to greet new acquaintances, as well as close friends. Men are almost always expected to air kiss women upon greeting. In Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, air kissing between men a la italiana, e. g. , in the style of soccer players, is common. In Greece it is customary for men to air kiss as well if they know each other well (e. g. , distant male relatives, two good friends, etc. ). In the Middle East, air kissing between two people of the same gender is common. Air kisses between opposite genders are not permitted unless the kissers are closely related or married. In the Philippines, air kisses are a popular form of greeting between adults who are close friends or relatives. In general, women kiss women or men kiss women. Elder relatives often air kiss younger relatives. In Malaysia and Indonesia, it is expected that a younger relative will air kiss an older relative’s hand as a show of respect. Exhale through the nose on the elder’s hand; the lips are not pursed. Then press the elder’s hand to your forehead. In South, Central and East Asia, cheek kissing - even air kissing - is uncommon and could perhaps be considered offensive, though it is growing in popularity in metropolitan areas. Follow the lead of those around you.
For example, if you’re approaching an entrance and the host is at the door greeting people, see how he or she is behaving. Watch how people in the street greet each other, as well as how people in cafes greet each other. It will give you a good idea about the levels of intimacy.
You can also do this quickly on your phone if you realize you forgot, and you’re meeting someone important in 10 minutes.
This may be particularly valuable if you are visiting a more remote area of a country, where the greeting habits may be less well-known.
