Is it correct/ polite to kiss ( on the cheek) a woman when you meet her for the first time?

Question

I don't mean a random stranger in a shop or something.. but maybe a family friend that you have never met before or simillar. If i shouldnt do this, what should i do?

Answer 1

I would only if she offered a cheek. Some women do, others do not.

Kissing a woman who doesn't appreciate it may earn a thick ear!

--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 2

Proper etiquette would be to offer your hand and gently shake it. If she pulls you forward into a cheek-kiss, fine, otherwise just a handshake and smile. Take care not to squeeze the hand too firmly but don't do a limp-fish shake either. When you say 'good-bye' is more apt to be the time to do the cheek-kiss - if you've had an evening of fun and the group is a huggy-kissy group. You need to watch for body language - see what she does with others or even ask her if you can give her cheek a peck. Women don't want to feel pressured into having more intimate contact than they are ready for. It would depend too on your age versus her age. If you are equals that's one thing - if she's older or a lot younger then take care not to offend.

Answer 3

I would say yes, as long as its on the cheek, this will be seen as a welcoming gesture.
If you were in France, you would kiss her once on each cheek the first time you met her and then after that twice on each cheek.
I dont think it matters about correctness in this day and age, but it would certainly make the woman feel more at home within the family circle.

Answer 4

It is not the custom in the US or UK to kiss someone on the cheek. Many nationalities do use this as a form of greeting but only once the introductions have been made. Smile, say how nice to meet you. If she offers her hand shake it, if she offers her cheek, kiss it. The lead usually comes from the woman herself.

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong of kissing a woman on the cheek in a polite manner. I think is a friendly gesture.
Latin Americans and Latin Europeans have being doing this for many years.

Answer 6

Not the first meeting, no. A firm handshake and a warm smile are best.

I don't let anyone except a few dear friends greet me this way -- it should be a privilege and a sign of closeness rather than a perfunctory custom to be willing to give someone a kiss (or to be willing to let them kiss your cheek.)

Answer 7

If it is a date, then I would say yes.
If it is a family friend you are meeting for the first time, I would suggest a hand shake.
Unless, it's a little old lady who's a family friend for generations. At this, I would offer a hand shake. If she pulls you in to kiss your cheek give her a hug and pat her on the back. I don't think you should kiss her back.

Answer 8

depends on the warmth and cheerfulness of the woman.

I normally don't believe in kissing just for the hell of it. But, if it's a woman with whom I seem to strike an instant chemistry, there's no problem usually - the feelings are usually mutually reciprocated.

As for the nannies, I keep away from them

Answer 9

It's absolutely okay and common in Latin countries. I didn't experience that in the U.S., but I do in Central America and think it's great. People greet each other with a handshake and kiss on each cheek or a hug and nothing sexual is meant by it.

Answer 10

This kissing on the cheek palaver has become very common of late, probably imported from the continent. I think, mostly, it's a pain in the backside, to be expected to do this to all and sundry (except if the woman is fit, of course).
Another thing that's become prevalent these days is blokes hugging. Please!
With women, you should just utter a polite 'hello'.
With men, you shake hands (and firmly, please).