And where did this influx of close facial proximity come from because supposedly kissing is not a universal human activity. Hard to believe but apparently there are quite a few cultures around the world that do not indulge in it at all. As a gentleman is your instinct to go for the firm handshake even when greeting a woman but you’re either grabbed and pulled in close for the kiss or there is that awkward moment when you’re not sure which way to go. If you do decide to brush cheeks the most common technique I’ve observed is the three kisses - left, right then left again. I once did two and left the other person ‘hanging’ and she stood there frozen in mid air with puckered lips waiting to complete the ceremony. A colleague of mine does one kiss and a hug on the same side again usually confusing the heck out of the other person. Older men in this part of the world of a certain social class will also do the three cheek-to-cheeks.
I’ve also observed with some amusement the loud ‘muaahh’ accompanying the peck also known as air kissing. Then there are those who will firmly plant their lips in the other cheek leaving traces of lipstick or moisture. When it comes to the social kiss, the way to go should be the briefest of skin contact and no sound effects or any saliva traces left. Also don't linger too long, take advantage of being close to someone by taking liberties with your hands and in most cases don’t kiss on the lips. But maybe you shouldn’t over analyse things and let instinct be your guide or apply the old adage of when in doubt leave it out. What do you think?
