slim
01-04-2006, 12:05 PM
I am gonna study this for when I go to Italia.
http://www.blistex.com/global_lips.htm
A Guide To European Kissing Etiquette
http://www.blistex.com/images/global_lips/global2.jpg
As globalization becomes part of everyday life, the need to understand local culture and customs becomes vital.
One local custom dear to the hearts of Blistex users everywhere is kissing! But, this custom is not always straightforward. A myriad of kissing questions arise when one finds oneself away from home.
Do you kiss, when do you kiss, and how?
FRANCE
For the French, kissing is a way of life and multiple kisses are normal. Paris adopted a four kiss greeting years ago and has stuck to it. The sequence is left cheek first--always. In Brittany they follow a three kiss routine and in most other parts of France they restrict themselves to a restrained two kiss greeting. The exception is the Côte d'Azur where a five or six kissing pattern is not unusual.
NETHERLANDS
In the Netherlands, you always begin and end your kissing on the same cheek. Three kisses are expected, but if you are greeting an elderly or close member of the family, add a few more to show your affection. Right cheek first is the rule.
ITALY
Kissing is restricted to very close friends or family in Italy. The number of kisses is optional and as there are no rules regarding which cheek to kiss first, there are frequent and sometimes painful clashes. Hugs and handshakes are good alternatives for friends.
UK
In the UK kissing is only just being extended outside of family and friends. Somewhat shy of physical contact, the British have tended to opt for a handshake or nod as the safest form of greeting. In today's less formal environment, "Hi!" or "How are you?" is a way of avoiding physical contact. But it must be remembered that when the British ask how you are they don't expect you to tell them.
GERMANY
Germany tends to restrict kissing to family and very close friends. Handshakes predominate and all meetings begin and end with this formality.
SPAIN, AUSTRIA and SCANDINAVIA
Spain, Austria and Scandinavia are each content with the two kisses ritual. In Spain the rule is strictly right cheek first.
Slim
http://www.blistex.com/global_lips.htm
A Guide To European Kissing Etiquette
http://www.blistex.com/images/global_lips/global2.jpg
As globalization becomes part of everyday life, the need to understand local culture and customs becomes vital.
One local custom dear to the hearts of Blistex users everywhere is kissing! But, this custom is not always straightforward. A myriad of kissing questions arise when one finds oneself away from home.
Do you kiss, when do you kiss, and how?
FRANCE
For the French, kissing is a way of life and multiple kisses are normal. Paris adopted a four kiss greeting years ago and has stuck to it. The sequence is left cheek first--always. In Brittany they follow a three kiss routine and in most other parts of France they restrict themselves to a restrained two kiss greeting. The exception is the Côte d'Azur where a five or six kissing pattern is not unusual.
NETHERLANDS
In the Netherlands, you always begin and end your kissing on the same cheek. Three kisses are expected, but if you are greeting an elderly or close member of the family, add a few more to show your affection. Right cheek first is the rule.
ITALY
Kissing is restricted to very close friends or family in Italy. The number of kisses is optional and as there are no rules regarding which cheek to kiss first, there are frequent and sometimes painful clashes. Hugs and handshakes are good alternatives for friends.
UK
In the UK kissing is only just being extended outside of family and friends. Somewhat shy of physical contact, the British have tended to opt for a handshake or nod as the safest form of greeting. In today's less formal environment, "Hi!" or "How are you?" is a way of avoiding physical contact. But it must be remembered that when the British ask how you are they don't expect you to tell them.
GERMANY
Germany tends to restrict kissing to family and very close friends. Handshakes predominate and all meetings begin and end with this formality.
SPAIN, AUSTRIA and SCANDINAVIA
Spain, Austria and Scandinavia are each content with the two kisses ritual. In Spain the rule is strictly right cheek first.
Slim