I may have mentioned before, but the custom here of kissing three times for greeting and goodbyes can be stressful for an American that really just wants to shake your hand, please.
Finally, after two years, I'm really starting to get used to the whole three air kisses while touching cheeks and maybe or maybe not talking.
I know which side to start on (offer my right cheek).
I know the proper stance (grab at least one of their arms, usually the forearm or elbow region, and then hold on for the duration).
I have discovered that a mix of kissing noises and talking is much less awkward than just kissing kisses. So I always try to think of something to say during these interludes. Since you're normally saying hello or goodbye, it isn't so hard.
However, this does not stop the awkwardness.
Every time I go back to the US, I have this urge to kiss greet and goodbye everyone. I feel like we haven't properly greeted each other unless we've kissed three times, but everyone just wants to shake my hand or give me a hug. There have been a few times that I've been pulled in to a hug and I've automatically started the kissing ritual (touch right cheeks, say something). Thankfully, I've been able to recover before it got awkward, but...
To make matters worse, now I've gotten to know my Swiss friends so well that, instead of greeting with kisses, we've progressed to the next friendship level in which they greet with hugs. So we're back to square one, only the roles are reversed. I go in for kisses, and they just want to hug me. Why do they change the rules on me?
Life is so confusing!
Finally, after two years, I'm really starting to get used to the whole three air kisses while touching cheeks and maybe or maybe not talking.
I know which side to start on (offer my right cheek).
I know the proper stance (grab at least one of their arms, usually the forearm or elbow region, and then hold on for the duration).
I have discovered that a mix of kissing noises and talking is much less awkward than just kissing kisses. So I always try to think of something to say during these interludes. Since you're normally saying hello or goodbye, it isn't so hard.
However, this does not stop the awkwardness.
Every time I go back to the US, I have this urge to kiss greet and goodbye everyone. I feel like we haven't properly greeted each other unless we've kissed three times, but everyone just wants to shake my hand or give me a hug. There have been a few times that I've been pulled in to a hug and I've automatically started the kissing ritual (touch right cheeks, say something). Thankfully, I've been able to recover before it got awkward, but...
To make matters worse, now I've gotten to know my Swiss friends so well that, instead of greeting with kisses, we've progressed to the next friendship level in which they greet with hugs. So we're back to square one, only the roles are reversed. I go in for kisses, and they just want to hug me. Why do they change the rules on me?
Life is so confusing!
