Some say kissing hello is a global conspiracy perpetrated by the breath-mint lobby to boost sales. While the jury is still out, at least we can all agree kissing hello is a custom shared by many cultures all over the world. But landing a free smooch isn’t that easy. Like all customs, kissing hello differs from culture to culture, so what’s polite in Spain might lead to awkwardness in Belgium.
The following instructions will help you navigate the particulars of the hello kiss, but it must be mentioned this guide is not foolproof. No matter how unified the culture, no matter how glossed the lips, customs will still vary, and while nine out of every 10 people in Spain might start their kiss with the left cheek, there will be those who start on the right. Still, fumbling a hello kiss might be momentarily embarrassing, but it’s rarely taken too seriously. So if you mess up, just smile, look adorably bashful and buy a round of drinks for all those involved.
France
In France, the act of kissing hello is called la bise. It consists of two close-lipped kisses, one on each cheek, starting with the left.
Spain
The Spanish tend to kiss twice, lips closed, beginning with the left cheek. If you are meeting someone for the first time, it is safer to go cheek-to-cheek rather than lip-to-cheek.
If you are a man: Two kisses for male relatives. Handshake for a man who is not a relative. Two kisses for a woman.
If you are a woman: Two kisses for everyone.
Philippines
In the Philippines, kissing hello is called beso-beso, and is mostly done between women. It is two cheek-to-cheek kisses, beginning with the left.
Belgium
Belgians generally kiss only once on the right cheek, and the type of kiss is more cheek-to-cheek than lip-to-cheek. It is normal for men to kiss women and women to kiss women, but men kissing men is somewhat unusual. Sometimes men will kiss men, but the frequency differs depending on the region. For example, in Antwerp, men kissing men is less common, but in Wallonia, it is more common.
Italy
In Italy, kissing hello is generally limited to people you know, and more common among women than men. It is two close-lipped kisses, typically starting with the left cheek.
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