What do you think of people that kiss on the cheek as a greeting? What do you think of "kiss hellos?'

Question

Do you think it is warm and friendly? Do you think it is annoying and uncomfortable? Is it proper in a business setting? Please share your thoughts!

Answer 1

A simple handshake will do it every time for me. It is not proper in a business setting.

Answer 2

Hmm...suspect in a business setting. But then, also depends on culture. I think Arabs regularly kiss on cheeks as a greeting, regardless of context.

But otherwise, I think if two people are comfortable and really really like each other, then a kiss on the cheek is quite appropriate. It's warm and expressive and open. It could only get uncomfortable when one of them 2 isn't expecting it or is comfortable with it, or feels that close to the other person.

What I don't like is kisses in the air when one comes close to the cheek. That looks fake to me.

Answer 3

My whole family/friends always greet people with a kiss on the cheek, even if we just met them. And, when we meet someone we haven't seen in a while. While men/boys should give the other men/boy a hand~ shake & a hug. If it's a woman/girl the man/boy should give the woman/girl a kiss on the cheek.It shows the other person that they are caring & friendly. I think the pay~off is "nice" In business it's also, nice I give my co~workers a hug & kiss on the cheek, even my male friends. I give my G.M. a hug.

Answer 4

In my family,the women all got together and decided that cheek kissing is at times unsanitary. So,we all kiss on the forehead and a hug when we see each other. And no,kissing in a business setting is a no on.
Kinda reminds me of that commercial where the Japanese business men meet the American men and one Japanese businessman starts smelling the American's shirt. So the second American businessman starts to smell the other Japanese businessman's suit as well before realizing he had made a mistake.

Answer 5

In my country, Peru, it is the kiss on the cheek is very common. A woman with a woman and a woman with a man kiss on the cheek always. Man and man do not, although they give themselves a hug. Sometimes it is annoying because you get to a family reunion and there are like 20 people and you have to greet them all with a kiss on the cheek...
However, on occasions it is not practiced, as in a business setting, or visiting the doctor (although, if you get to know the doctor well, or he/she allows it, you can kiss on the cheek).

Answer 6

This type of greeting is very common where I live in Transylvania and Romania in general, variations are kissing a ladys hand (french style) men kissing men on the cheek (coming from Ireland this takes a bit of geting used to) but when living in a country you must respect their traditions.

Answer 7

Don't really like kiss hellos. I do it with some members of my family when I haven't seen them for a while, but even with my brother and my best friends, it's just a hug. It's a cultural thing, though, so I wouldn't want to generalize. In many countries, this is the way it's done. To me, it's a bit OTT.

Answer 8

It is traditional in many cultures. It is common in France, Spain, Italy, Québec, and Argentina. It is also traditional among Argentine tango dancers.

I enjoy the custom as a social matter. It is more personal than a handshake.

In many circumstances, it is inappropriate in a business setting. I would look at each situation on a case-by-case basis as to its appropirateness in a business setting. One must consider the cultural mores of the location.

Answer 9

In America, I do not like it or think it is appropriate anywhere or any time. The only exception is with relatives...close relatives with whom you would expect that kind of relationship. Like your mom. Maybe your dad. Maybe your grandparents. That's it! Everyone else I really want to keep out of my two feet of personal space -- that's what I was taught -- that most people have a comfort zone of about 1 to 2 feet, and they feel most comfortable if, when addressing them, you let them have that space. Hence the expression "at arms' length".

Besides, I find that in America the "kiss hello" is almost always totally insincere. And people know that and feel very akward. I say "Save the kissing for family. For everyone else, a handshake is fine. A firm handshake. Not one of those limp, lifeless ones that makes you want to strangle the person doing it."

Answer 10

It doesn't bother me. Especially if it's a traditional greeting where that person comes from.