The Kissing Rule

Sometimes it's the little cultural differences that become the largest points of discussion.  One of those things here in Luxembourg is how one gives a proper greeting/farewell.  If you're not careful, you can find yourself in an embarrassing situation.  So, here is a brief rundown on how this particular thing works.

Ok, so we Americans typically stick with the handshake as the acceptable way to greet or say goodbye to someone we just met or who are acquaintances.  After we get to know one another a little better we may hug.  Of course, there is always the possibility of a special greeting among friends that they themselves have developed, making the rest of us feel left out.




Over here, things get a little more close and complicated.  In many parts of Europe you do the social kiss.  What am I talking about?  You press your cheeks together and kiss the air, first the right and then the left.  Here's a clip from Good Morning America that explains the ins and outs (though, in my opinion, they're making more a deal out if it than necessary).




The French are probably the most well known for doing this.  However, our British friends also greet in this manner.  Now, the Luxembourgish also kiss (according to the written rule they only greet friends in this manner).  Of course, like anything else Luxembourgish, they drag it out a bit and do the kiss three times.  So, you start on the right, go left, and back to right.  It takes awhile.

Anyway, as a rule of thumb:

Americans (and Scandinavians, so I've heard) = hand shake
French, British, Italians, (some, not all) Germans, Portuguese, etc = 2 cheek kiss
Luxembourgish = 3 cheek kiss

Of course, in Luxembourg, this can get a little confusing.  With so many people coming from so many different places you never know how to greet someone.  If they're Luxembourgish and you're meeting for the first time, normally they will just shake hands, but then there is always the chance that they'll pull you in unexpectedly for the 3 cheek kiss.  Or, if you're meeting someone who isn't Luxembourgish they will do the 2 cheek kiss, unless they decide to go for 3 cheeks because we're in Luxembourg (even though none of you hail from the Grand Duchy).  Or, they may forego the kissing thing altogether because they're meeting Americans who only shake hands.  In that case, you may decide to be progressive and initiate the kiss, just to be left hanging.  Awkwardly.

In short, it takes awhile to figure out how to say hello.  Sometimes, depending on how it goes down, it can get pretty funny and embarrassing.  The key, though, is to avoid getting anyone on the mouth.  Thankfully, we haven't come across anyone who greets in that manner. Yet.