when it is appropriate to kiss a woman's hand?

Question

I don't believe it is a sexual gesture, only a gracious sign of respect. Am I wrong?

Answer 1

Ummm which century are you talking about??? Hmmm???

Answer 2

Yes, it's a dignified greeting. Here's how you do it:

One may kiss the hand of a married woman indoors (I don't make this stuff up). The lips never quite touch the hand; one merely bows forward, stopping short.

The equivalent greeting for an unmarried woman is a bow, as it is for a married woman outdoors.

There are a number of details that I'm omitting (as no one but me cares, or is even aware of them, anymore). This complex set of bowing and/or kissing rituals was later replaced by the handshake, the full-frontal embrace or, for young persons, by a grunt.

Answer 3

You know, I consider myself as a man with very good manners. However, I must admit, I can't recall the last time I kissed a woman's hand. All I know is men have to really pay attention to every gesture socially these days. It is so easy to be considered flirtatious, or worse. If the social hand kiss is a common part of your social demeanor, I applaud you, it shows class. One of the things I've noticed, is women can "feel" a letch, hence: "He gives me the creeps." I bet no one even says that about you and you get along fine with women. One should never be ashamed of having refined manners.

Answer 4

I actually kiss women's hand often. It is sometimes very awkward, as modern women usually have no idea what you are intending to do as you reach for their hand.

However, timing is everything. Although you are correct in saying that it is not a sexual gesture, it is a social gesture and is thus unwelcome in a professional environment such as school, or the office. Fair game is when meeting your date for a nice meal (Red Lobster doesn't count). Also when asking a woman to dance to a slow song, it is accepted to reach for her hand, and if she accepts, to kiss it, almost as a humble thank-you for accepting your invitation.

These are just a couple of instances. The right moment is right moment, and there is no "do-it-this-way-or-get-slapped" manual on this particular style of etiquette. It is just most important to not that, through decades of non-usage and rampant liberal feminism, it has become inappropriate as a general greeting for the majority of situation you would find yourself in during the course of a normal day.

Answer 5

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You NEVER kiss a woman's hand unless she offers it for that purpose. Any woman of reasonable sophistication knows that she must give permission for a hand kiss by presenting her hand knuckles up. If she presents her hand thumb up, that means the gentleman only has permission for a hand shake. NO, it is not cute or chivalrous or gentlemanly or a turn on or romantic to grab a woman's hand and kiss it unless she has presented her hand knuckles up. Traditional etiquette is designed around the idea that men are to respect women's bodies and are not to touch them "intimately" without PERMISSION. Hand kissing without cue simply demonstrates that the male lacks basic manners. If the woman is pleased by his ridiculousness, she too lacks understanding of basic etiquette.

Answer 6

You are not wrong.

It is proper upon introduction.

It is also proper at the end of an evening when a hug isn't right, and a kiss on the face is too much

Answer 7

No, you're not wrong. I have a male friend who kisses my hand almost every time we meet. I give him a mock curtsey in return. We do this partly in fun, but I have to admit I like the hand-kissing!

Answer 8

Kiss the hand or the cheek is a sign of respect. or gratitude.

In some cultures a man may kiss the hand of another man during a handshake, or on the cheek while hugging, as a sign of respect with no inuendo.

In clergy or brotherhoods the ring is kissed as a sign of respect and as ritual.

Answer 9

I always kiss or act like I kissed ladies hands no matter what age when introduced,
Followed by the first names of my father then grandfathers as in:

Hello "so and so", I'm William son of Fredric, son of Edward son of Walter. "At your service." or "pleasure to meet you." Most ladies would prefer for you to "act" like you did, for hygiene issues. This is out of total respect for where you came from and never meant to be sexual. This is a very lost social Art.. That needs to return.

Answer 10

The best time to kiss your girl's hand is when she complains about a manicure she just did herself. Just say "no, your nails are perfect" and kiss all her fingers. It shows you respect her and is a sweet gesture.

Answer 11

When she cracks the whip and yells "On your knees!" Oops, sorry.

It is a proper gesture of respect but in these days it may actually make the woman feel uncomfortable, especially if she is not expecting it. I am not sure I would use it the first time I met someone.

Good luck.