To Kiss or Not to Kiss? That Is the Question

Even kissing has rules of its own. While some consider it an art form, free from restriction, Etiquette imposes certain grounds.

Social kissing is a potential minefield and is usually dependent on situation, age, background, profession and your relationship.

Generally, one must not kiss neither strangers nor colleagues. However, it is deemed socially fit to kiss close friends and love interests.

As we focus on a person’s background, kissing varies from one country to another.

In the United Kingdom, cheek kissing is not very common, outside of close family and friends, except for amongst the upper and middle classes (usually in London) and is historically considered to be a French practice. 

Remaining in Europe, the French seem to enjoy two kisses — once on each cheek called “faire la bise” — starting on the left.

When in Spain, one must abide by what is commonly known as the two-kiss rule, often starting on the right cheek.

In the Middle East, especially in the Arab world, it is common between friends and relatives to kiss on the cheeks, however, in mostly Muslim states, exchanging cheek kissed between a male and a female is deemed as inappropriate.

Cheek kissing in the Philippines is a common form of greeting. However, it is important to note that the Philippine cheek kiss is a cheek-to-cheek kiss, not a lips-to-cheek kiss.

Article Originally Written in Arabic by Jessica Habchy