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Have British people always kissed each other on the cheek?
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receiving a kiss on each check, what ever next, maybe you should report it to the police, outrageous behavior.....not................just grow some ballsTrinidad - I have a number of needs. Don't shoot me down if i get something wrong!!0
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I've done it for years with family and friends and friends of friends, it's been happening for so long. I do agree us British can be so "stiff" but each to their own too! It can really break the ice and make for a relaxing evening or whatever. I can't be doing with all this shaking of hands its so business like, I have enough of that at work thanks. Learn to chill out peps 😘0
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Having just returned from a funeral where half the mourners were French i just went with the flow. That's what you do, it just another version of social etiquette, just not one i am used to.Please note I have a cognitive disability - as such my wording can be a bit off, muddled, misspelt or in some cases i can miss out some words totally...0
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jackieblack wrote: »You call it 'stiff upper-lip' others may call it 'appropriate boundaries'
I would certainly call it "appropriate boundaries" in a work situation. I would say kissing on the cheek is as rare as hen's teeth in a work environment and almost unknown when introduced to a total stranger.
I will hug people I know who are "huggers", but I've also had close friends for decades who I have never hugged. It doesn't mean that our relationship isn't close and sincere.
The only people I kiss are my husband and grown up children. Happy to keep it like that.0 -
If you watch TV shows like Towie the first minute of every conversation is taken up with all the kisses, it's daft and way over the top, I just say Hi.0
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If you watch TV shows like Towie the first minute of every conversation is taken up with all the kisses, it's daft and way over the top, I just say Hi.Mortgage (Nov 15): £79,950 | Mortgage (May 19): £71,754 | Mortgage (Sep 22): £0
Cashback sites: £900 | £30k in 2016: £30,300 (101%)0 -
I'm a lady in my mid-50's and generally find it all a bit un-nerving, it certainly never featured in my early career, I agree it seems to have become "a thing" in the late 90's early 2000's.
I wouldn't think of "air-kissing" a work colleague, although one of my directors (male) did do it to me on our last work day before Christmas last year, I felt so awkward, i treat him in a very formal manner all the rest of the year.
I started to see a new chiropodist this year, and she insists on a hug and air kiss at the end of each appointment - I can't say I look forward to it.
The ONLY exception to this is my husband's ex-boss, who we now see socially now and again. He always greets me very enthusiastically with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek. He is a very charming French man, it seems so natural from him, and it always makes me feel as if I was the person he most wanted to see on that occasion! Strange, isn't it ??I try not to get too stressed out on the forum. I won't argue, i'll just leave a thread if you don't like what I say.0 -
I find cheek kissing people awkward (other than my husband). My parents family all insist on it (their siblings, cousins etc) but my friends just hug. I will never lead a cheek kiss scenario because I'd rather not do it! My parents themselves don't insist on the cheek kiss.Trying to lose weight (13.5lb to go)0
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We had a second viewing on a house yesterday and the lovely owners greeted us both with a kiss! He's Italian so that may have contributed. They feel like old friends already. Let's hope they accept our offer tomorrow! :beer:
Jx2024 wins: *must start comping again!*0
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