Ok, so I know in a lot of Europe it is customary to greet people with a kiss (or 2) on the cheek. I know it can also vary from one area or country to another so... My question is what to do/expect when meeting and greeting people in Geneva, and Switzerland? Do you kiss on the first meeting, or is it something more for people who know each other better? How do I know when it's appropriate or not, or who initiates?
I know, I'm kind of obsessing over nothing, but I figured if there's any place I can ask about this it';d be here... everyone seems really helpful. =)
Global Forums > General > Kind of a strange question...
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Kind of a strange question...
Jan 25, 2007 @ 21:43
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Ok, so I know in a lot of Europe it is customary to greet people with a kiss (or 2) on the cheek. I know it can also vary from one area or country to another so... My question is what to do/expect when meeting and greeting people in Geneva, and Switzerland? Do you kiss on the first meeting, or is it something more for people who know each other better? How do I know when it's appropriate or not, or who initiates?
I know, I'm kind of obsessing over nothing, but I figured if there's any place I can ask about this it';d be here... everyone seems really helpful. =)
MarcyJan 25, 2007 @ 21:43
I know, I'm kind of obsessing over nothing, but I figured if there's any place I can ask about this it';d be here... everyone seems really helpful. =)
MarcyJan 25, 2007 @ 21:43
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 1
Jan 25, 2007 @ 23:43
I have seen that also the expats here get into the kissing habit real quick, even when it's just 2 expats who meet. Strange but true.
Big kiss!
Big kiss!
The text you are quoting:
I have seen that also the expats here get into the kissing habit real quick, even when it's just 2 expats who meet. Strange but true.
Big kiss!
Nir Ofek, Jan 25, 2007 @ 23:43
Big kiss!
Nir Ofek, Jan 25, 2007 @ 23:43
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 2
Jan 26, 2007 @ 01:03
generally kiss when meeting someone for the 1st time in a non formal setting and its pre arranged but you havent been introduced to each other... for example if you met someone off here for a language exchange you would kiss, but if you just got talking to someone in a bar you wouldnt kiss :-)
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generally kiss when meeting someone for the 1st time in a non formal setting and its pre arranged but you havent been introduced to each other... for example if you met someone off here for a language exchange you would kiss, but if you just got talking to someone in a bar you wouldnt kiss :-)
joellem88, Jan 26, 2007 @ 01:03
joellem88, Jan 26, 2007 @ 01:03
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 3
Jan 26, 2007 @ 01:04
Expats in Geneva are also natural born huggers. Once they become your friends, don't be surprised to get a lot of huggs as well. Just wait to see... :-)
Julie
Julie
The text you are quoting:
Expats in Geneva are also natural born huggers. Once they become your friends, don't be surprised to get a lot of huggs as well. Just wait to see... :-)
Julie
julie_06, Jan 26, 2007 @ 01:04
Julie
julie_06, Jan 26, 2007 @ 01:04
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 4
Jan 26, 2007 @ 07:49
All these comments tally with what I've seen in the past 20+ years here except that for people over about 35 it's pretty odd to kiss when meeting even if introduced by good friends. I was recently introduced to a friend's mother, age 75 or so, and it would have shocked her had I kissed her. In my experience, the easiest is to smile, lean forward slightly and see if they kiss me - and be ready to kiss back! And in plenty of situations with other foreigners we kiss AND shake hands and generally laugh about it.
The text you are quoting:
All these comments tally with what I've seen in the past 20+ years here except that for people over about 35 it's pretty odd to kiss when meeting even if introduced by good friends. I was recently introduced to a friend's mother, age 75 or so, and it would have shocked her had I kissed her. In my experience, the easiest is to smile, lean forward slightly and see if they kiss me - and be ready to kiss back! And in plenty of situations with other foreigners we kiss AND shake hands and generally laugh about it.
Ellen, Jan 26, 2007 @ 07:49
Ellen, Jan 26, 2007 @ 07:49
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 5
Jan 26, 2007 @ 11:49
I'm afraid I fall into the non kissing category. When I was first introduced to a friend's wife she stepped forward to kiss and I stepped back , a bit surprised. I don't mind if someone initiates it, but it still doesn't feel natural after 5 years here! Is it because I'm British and old , or is it just me.
Trevor (Non demonstrative Brit)
Trevor (Non demonstrative Brit)
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I'm afraid I fall into the non kissing category. When I was first introduced to a friend's wife she stepped forward to kiss and I stepped back , a bit surprised. I don't mind if someone initiates it, but it still doesn't feel natural after 5 years here! Is it because I'm British and old , or is it just me.
Trevor (Non demonstrative Brit)
britabroad, Jan 26, 2007 @ 11:49
Trevor (Non demonstrative Brit)
britabroad, Jan 26, 2007 @ 11:49
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 6
Jan 26, 2007 @ 16:59
Does it matter if you are left handed or right handed?
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Does it matter if you are left handed or right handed?
britabroad, Jan 26, 2007 @ 16:59
britabroad, Jan 26, 2007 @ 16:59
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 7
Jan 26, 2007 @ 22:08
.. so I would have had something to blame when I was trying to "kiss on the other side"..
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.. so I would have had something to blame when I was trying to "kiss on the other side"..
trolltok, Jan 26, 2007 @ 22:08
trolltok, Jan 26, 2007 @ 22:08
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 8
Jan 27, 2007 @ 03:53
Always shake hands!!!!! when greeting other blokes.
Got confused first time I came to switzerland, everybody was kissing everybody, girls kissed each other, and the guys kissed each other, what I didn't know at the time was that guys great each other with kisses, if they are really close friends, or family. I thought what the hell so went to greet the guys with a kiss much to their shock and horror, and then they kindly educated me on who to and when to kiss.
Oh what fun
Got confused first time I came to switzerland, everybody was kissing everybody, girls kissed each other, and the guys kissed each other, what I didn't know at the time was that guys great each other with kisses, if they are really close friends, or family. I thought what the hell so went to greet the guys with a kiss much to their shock and horror, and then they kindly educated me on who to and when to kiss.
Oh what fun
The text you are quoting:
Always shake hands!!!!! when greeting other blokes.
Got confused first time I came to switzerland, everybody was kissing everybody, girls kissed each other, and the guys kissed each other, what I didn't know at the time was that guys great each other with kisses, if they are really close friends, or family. I thought what the hell so went to greet the guys with a kiss much to their shock and horror, and then they kindly educated me on who to and when to kiss.
Oh what fun
DJ_Symcard, Jan 27, 2007 @ 03:53
Got confused first time I came to switzerland, everybody was kissing everybody, girls kissed each other, and the guys kissed each other, what I didn't know at the time was that guys great each other with kisses, if they are really close friends, or family. I thought what the hell so went to greet the guys with a kiss much to their shock and horror, and then they kindly educated me on who to and when to kiss.
Oh what fun
DJ_Symcard, Jan 27, 2007 @ 03:53
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 9
Jan 27, 2007 @ 05:55
Ok, so which side do the Swiss start on?
(thanks for all the replies, everyone! I knew I'd get answers from this bunch!)
(thanks for all the replies, everyone! I knew I'd get answers from this bunch!)
The text you are quoting:
Ok, so which side do the Swiss start on?
(thanks for all the replies, everyone! I knew I'd get answers from this bunch!)
Marcy, Jan 27, 2007 @ 05:55
(thanks for all the replies, everyone! I knew I'd get answers from this bunch!)
Marcy, Jan 27, 2007 @ 05:55
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 10
Jan 27, 2007 @ 10:04
Mostly done in that order, but no firm rules. It's about the head not the hands, britabroad, so although I'm lefthanded and tend to go for a quick peck on the left, I'm usually slow on the draw and they get me on the right first. I always figure I'm the foreigner even though I'm now Swiss, and I let them lead, I follow.
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Mostly done in that order, but no firm rules. It's about the head not the hands, britabroad, so although I'm lefthanded and tend to go for a quick peck on the left, I'm usually slow on the draw and they get me on the right first. I always figure I'm the foreigner even though I'm now Swiss, and I let them lead, I follow.
Ellen, Jan 27, 2007 @ 10:04
Ellen, Jan 27, 2007 @ 10:04
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 11
Jan 27, 2007 @ 12:29
yep, that's the order!
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Re: Kind of a strange question...
Post 12
Jan 28, 2007 @ 01:08
safest is: no hard and fast rules?
The text you are quoting:
safest is: no hard and fast rules?
Ellen, Jan 28, 2007 @ 01:08
Ellen, Jan 28, 2007 @ 01:08
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