By Brian Johnston

Copyright brisbanetimes

However, a few simple rules should help you navigate this cheeky culture. You shouldn’t kiss anyone on the first meeting or in a business context. Kissing implies some level of familiarity, though often a second or third meeting is enough to qualify you on social occasions.

If you’re a man, you should always wait for a woman to initiate the kiss – offer a hand or nod instead. The norm is male-female and female-female kissing. Male-male kissing is less widespread, although common in southern Italy, southern France, Spain and some parts of the Balkans. Male-male kissing also has a ceremonial purpose – you might see European male presidents and monarchs kissing at summits – or is confined to men within the family, or old friends who haven’t met for a considerable time.

Don’t attempt a literal kiss by planting your lips on someone’s cheek. Lean forward and merely brush cheeks – especially if wearing lipstick – while making a faint kissing sound. Place your hands lightly on the other person’s arms or shoulders. Don’t be stiff or awkward.

A single kiss on each cheek is common in southern European countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Romania, while in the Low Countries, Switzerland and certain regions of the Balkans you should go for three on alternating cheeks.