Im brazilian and my girlfriend is american, and when i met her family, i kissed her aunts on the cheek. It's not even kissing, its like, touching cheeks, and that's normal in Brazil, but my girlfriends uncle hates me, and i think it's because i greeted his wife like that Im guessing it's ok depending where you are in the US right?
Tks
2007-12-03 05:40:37 · 11 answers · asked by putyouridhere 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I tought it was ok, because you see that a lot on american sitcoms, i guess small cities have more uptight people than big ones, right?
2007-12-04 05:40:33 · update #1
Hmmm I would assume not. When you're from another country and carry habits that are from that country, you should ask around and see if some are okay. I'm not saying hide who you really are, but just make sure what you are use to doing is offensive or not. In the U.S. most people don't greet each other that way. Usually first meeting is a handshake and second greeting if the first time you met and got close is a hug. After that usually hug is the only thing that you still do. Maybe a kiss on the cheek after you have gotten closer.
2007-12-03 05:44:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the United States kissing when greeting someone is not a generally accepted practice. There are some families who do it but it depends. I would say that your girlfriend might just explain to her family that you were following the Brazilian custom and you didn't realize it would be offensive.
2007-12-03 05:55:19 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't think that is the reason that her uncle hates you. It might be a different reason. I know what you are talking about. You reach over, touch cheeks and make a kissing sound right? I do that too, and I found that Americans are very "space" conscious. A hand shake will do until you know them better. I used to great everyone like that but was later informed that that is too personal.
2007-12-03 05:46:12 · answer #3 · answered by jdecorse25 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the US, it's totally dependent upon the person themselves. Some people are totally fine with it and were just raised to see it as ok. Others were raised more conservatively and don't appreciate the gesture, it just makes them feel awkward. I would just explain to him that it's a customary thing in Brazil and you're very sorry and won't do it again. In the future, try to get to know an American person first before extending the gesture.
2007-12-03 05:49:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your girlfriend's uncle should have understood your customs a little better, but yeah... in general, in American culture, if you're not close to the person, you don't kiss them on the cheek. That's reserved for good friends, parents, grandparents, etc.
Her uncle's kind of out of line for being so mad at you, though. I'd suggest explaining your side of it, apologizing, and saving the kisses for your girlfriend. If he's still mad after that, it's his problem.
2007-12-03 05:52:38 · answer #5 · answered by genofreek 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it would be quite rude to back away but in Argentina, whether or not if its a guy/girl or a guy/guy or girl/girl greeting each other, they still kiss each other on the cheeks, one for each side. Best friends probably kiss each other 3 times lol
2016-05-28 00:19:30 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm Latina and we usually do that too but it is not accustomed here unless you really know the people very well. I don't usually kiss the men though. It is better just to give a small hug if they are your girlfriend's family or handshake if they are just her friends. Then with time they will see that it is just part of your custom they will relax a little.
2007-12-03 05:46:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dude, you're in the bible belt! But you know, for every uncle who takes offense at your sweet gesture, there's 5 who'll love it - whatever makes the wife happy. People are wierd. You'll never win with everybody. But do be respectful where you can - that's all.
You can be safest by doing the handshake where you place your hand on top of theirs' (making a gentle, hand sandwich!!). It's like --- hmmm --- a hand hug! :-)
2007-12-03 06:15:21 · answer #8 · answered by LOVEISTHEANSWER 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first time that you meet someone it is better to shake their hand, after you get to know each other alittle bit than it's okay, but watch for signs as well some people just don't like to be that close.
2007-12-03 07:42:36 · answer #9 · answered by moonshine057 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only do this with my mothers friends, my aunts, and my Grandma, Quebecers, and European women. Most North American women are too uptight and full of themselves for this type of greeting.
2007-12-03 05:50:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋