Hand Kissing?

Question

Hello. I was wondering what the general opinion of kissing a ladies hand is? I am of 100% Polish descent from a family that was basically nobility. My mother made sure to teach me all the etiquette and manners possible. After seeing a lot of uncle's and other men kissing the hand of women, I began doing it also. It's not very common here in the US, and was wondering what do women think? The few times I've used it seemed to leave the lady and people in the area impressed. Ladies has anyone ever kissed your hand as described above?

If there is any confusion here I will explain. Basically when being introduced to a lady you or she sticks out there hand as if going for a handshake. Usually the man takes it with a flourish and gently kisses the back of the ladies hand with dry lips. Usually (at least I do) keep my eye's up looking at the ladies face, but sometimes I will look completely down.

Hello. Some people may get confused here. It's not as if I do this for every single lady I meet. It's reserved for picking up a date( or saying goodnight if we just met) or meeting someone at some sort of social gathering (a wedding for instance).

Answer 1

I've had my hand kissed several times before, and it always left an especially good impression. Kissing the hands of women is seen as a very rare and special gesture. Because of its power as an uncommon gesture in the US, it should be used sparingly.

Many women are especially flattered by it, because it shows attentiveness, charm, and grace; Which are qualities that many women would climb over each other to have in a man. It would be good to live up to the implied promise of being a gentleman-- you will be remembered for it for certain!

Many people--especially women-- may also see this gesture as inherently flirtatious because it is so rare: They may not understand that it is a social gesture. Because of that, if you constantly went around doing this with every woman you met, you may be considered a playboy.

Save it for company who understand the gesture, and for women you are interested in for a serious relationship, and I think you'll be on the right track.

Good luck! You have a powerful weapon in your arsenal that is certain to catch and retain the attention of anyone you meet.

Answer 2

Ok. This is a bit of an old one but since people will still look her for answers I'll give my perspective and what I was taught being from old Southern heritage.

If you are going to do it you MUST learn the etiquette. Etiquette can vary a bit but overall it is pretty universal.

1. NEVER just grab the hand and kiss it. It must be offered. If a woman does not offer then you can encourage her by holding your hand out, palm up, but even then in today's society they may not have a clue as to what you are doing. But either way, never just reach down, grab a woman’s hand and kiss it. It is rude and tactless. (Many times I have sat laughing at a guy trying to be suave and clearly not having a clue)

2. Always kiss with dry lips!

3. When you are first introduced, you generally do not kiss the hand but just bring your lips to it. Actual kissing is typically reserved after you have met the woman at least one time.

4. When you take a woman's hand, do so gently, like you are holding a butterfly.

5. The kiss itself should be short and sweet. A light kiss is appropriate.

6. Never kiss a woman's hand in places like nightclubs, pubs and convenience stores. It is typically done at gatherings such as church, holidays celebrations and even in casual encounters where you may run into someone at the park or leaving an even (but outside). But, if a woman offers then a man should kiss, regardless of the location. It is just good manners. This being said, a woman who knows the etiquette will either have you kiss their hand outside of the venue before you enter or will refrain until a more appropriate time.

7. Where on the hand to actually kiss. (This is what I was taught, but can differ from culture and region) Many people simply just kiss the back of the hand just above the knuckles. It is also acceptable to kiss on the upper fingers just below the knuckles. Though if you are courting a woman or just have serious intentions you might kiss higher up on the back of the hand, just above the center of the hand. You typically do not do this with an older woman or female relative as this location show interest in the person on a more personal and serious level. Think of it like this. You would not kiss grandma up the arm.

Answer 3

Not going to lie - having my hand kissed does have a tendency to make me squeal like a little girl. I love it - it makes me feel special and completely charmed.

That being said, in North America and parts of Asia, being kissed in such a matter is seen as an invasion of personal space. Sadly, there are many people, women inclusive, that feel such a gesture is too intimate for strangers and/or casual acquaintances. I think it's a judgment call, feel out the person you're with. Someone uptight might not be very receptive of such an old-fashioned gentleman-ly gesture.

Our world needs more charm and graciousness...I hope you have sons!

Answer 4

I have not had this happen to me and I am not sure what I would do if I did. It really is an old era thing in my book. I think you are in a class of your own here in the good ol US. I agree with the other person. Perhaps make the motion but don't actually touch your lips to the hand. You can explain if you feel you need to.

Answer 5

I can see how that would make a women uncomfortable since it's not quite common these days.

On the other hand, if you are not a pervert I think it's really sweet and different. I'm sure there is a hopeless romantic out there waiting for you to kiss her hand.

Good luck!!!

Answer 6

Since you are in the US, and it is not a common practice, perhaps you should just limit your hand-kissing culture to your own immediate family or relations.
In some cultures, people kiss the hands of the elders when they meet, whether women or men, like in mine.
So I say, preserve your Polish etiquette and pass it down to your children and grandchildren.
In places where this is not a common practice, it is best to stick to handshakes.

Answer 7

i have had my hand kissed a couple times and it makes me um i guess a little giddy inside its a sweet gesture that i like. my boyfriend kisses my hand good bye and i absolutly love it. i guess its a personal preference some may think its totally weird but in my opinion its a sweet gesture that has been lost in most societies. Just as a man would greet another man with a firm hand shake I believe its sweet to kiss a ladies hand to say hello, or in my case goodbye. its a sweet way to say hello or goodbye rather than a makeout session.

in conclusion i like it but thats just my opinion

Answer 8

that is very uncommon here, infact bob highly doubts many women have ever even seen that being done to someone. Bob would think most women would find that as high class, but bob would not advise you going around doing that to every women you meet because some may or may not like it.

Answer 9

It's a little old fashioned, but there's nothing wrong with it.
The only problem, which was created by stupid feminists, is that some women might take this as an insult. Why? Do not ask me, ask them.
Have you noticed that some women look strange at you when you open a door for them?

Answer 10

Um, I'm in my forties and I don't think I'd be comfortable with someone kissing my hand. It just isn't done here. I would be embarassed. I am much more comfortable with a handshake. I am also of Polish descendant but not from nobility.