A business assoc. of the opposite sex just recently started greeting me with a kiss. Acceptable?

Question

I was just wondering how common this is. He's of a generation older than me, so I was thinking it's a cultural thing. It kind of makes me feel uncomfortable, but if it's common practice, then I can get over it. But I sort of feel like it's a little more than that.

Answer 1

trust your instincts...if you feel it's more than a cultural thing, then it probably is....nobody can make you feel uncomfortable unless you ALLOW them to....so don't allow this man to kiss you....set some boundaries with him, or who knows what he'll try next

Answer 2

Poor thing...sounds like a very uncomfortable situation. If just trying to keep your distance from him doesn't give him a hint, next time he trys to lean in for a kiss, put your hand up in front of your face and tell him you must be coming down with something and don't want him to catch it or *accidentally* cough in his face. That should do the trick! Good luck.

Answer 3

It is not acceptable because you are uncomfortable with his unwanted method of greeting you. Perhaps you can say something like this to him in private: "Bob, I enjoy working with you and I like you, however, I prefer a more professional greeting, so in future, I shall offer you my hand"...and then do just that...when he approaches as if to kiss you...put out your hand to shake his. If you keep it light and smile while you are saying all of this, no one's feelings should be hurt; you will have made your point in a nice way.

Answer 4

if its a peck on the cheek (or both sides) with a gentle hug, its fine, its normal practice in europe (france in particular).

anything less than that, u would be branded a prick for disrespecting the culture of others.

anything more than that, it would be wise to show him the sexual harassment policy.

i think its important to respect and tolerate the culture of others especially in this day and age.

having said that, i also believe that if you're not comfortable with him doing that, let him know without really being defensive about it, u could ruin the relationship if it really is part of his culture.

i'm not sure about what action to take without really breaking both points above...all i can say is, if i were u, i'd let it be if its under "anything less than that".

Answer 5

I wouldn't accept that as an acceptable greeting in this time and age. Maybe you can talk to him or his superior to please stop doing that, especially if you feel uncomfortable.

I once knew a guy who got reported for sexual harrassment just because he came behind a girl while she was picking up her mail in the mailroom and he poked her jokingly on her side. It was a joking gesture and she reported him.

Do him a favor and give him a warning.

Answer 6

interior america kissing while greeting somebody isn't a often customary practice. There are some families who do it even if it relies upon. i could say that your lady pal could only clarify to her kinfolk which you have been following the Brazilian custom and you probably did no longer are attentive to it may be offensive.

Answer 7

You said it makes you feel uncomfortable. Ask him to stop. I don't think its a cultural thing at all.

Answer 8

Not acceptable, if you feel uncomfortable especially. Ask a superior to speak with him if you do not want to confront him directly

Answer 9

French kissing? Not acceptable.

Peck on the lips? Not acceptable.

Peck on the cheek? Not acceptable

Well, there you have it. Kissing is for close relatives and lovers. Not co-workers.

Answer 10

Unless he's European, he's making a bif assumption of unfamiliarity.

Leave a copy of your company's sexual harassment policy on his desk, open to the appropriate page - with highlighting.