While many cultures use cheek kisses (like France's la bise or Southern Europe/Latin America), countries where lip kissing, even platonically, is culturally accepted for greetings or showing affection include parts of Europe (like some in Italy, Russia historically) and historically, the Soviet Union (leaders' triple kiss). However, the specific "French kiss" with tongue is generally romantic, but friendly, non-sexual lip kisses between family/friends (especially adults to children, or between friends) are common in some European and Latin American cultures, though less universal than cheek kissing.
In Slovenia, Turkey, Serbia, Ethiopia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Poland and Lebanon, it is customary to "kiss three times, on alternate cheeks". Italians, Croatians and Hungarians usually kiss twice in a greeting and in Mexico and Belgium only one kiss is necessary.
In South Africa and Australia, for instance, kissing quickly on the lips with a closed mouth is a common greeting custom among friends, especially in rural areas.
Only around half of cultures kiss each other intimately. Central America, South America and Africa are particular regions where there is not much of a kissing culture. Only 4 of the 17 cultures researched in South America, 4 of 27 in Africa and 0 of 10 cultures in Central America lock lips romantically.
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, though common in southern Italy, southern France, Spain and some parts of the Balkans.
The standard greeting involves two kisses (in Paris, for example), one on each cheek, but it can vary depending on the region (sometimes 3 or 4 kisses in other parts of France!).
In many social situations, the Dutch greet each other with three kisses on the cheeks, alternating from right to left, and back again. This is the standard greeting among friends, family, and acquaintances. Think of it as the Dutch handshake, but with a lot more cheek-to-cheek action!
When it comes to food, history and culture, the Italians and French are close rivals. However, Italy were recently crowned the undisputed master of passion, winning the title 'best kissers in the world.
The 90/10 kissing rule, popularized by the movie Hitch, suggests that one person leans in 90% of the way for a kiss and pauses, allowing the other person to close the remaining 10%, which signals their consent and involvement, preventing it from feeling forced and creating anticipation. This technique gives the other person control, allowing them to either lean in for the kiss or pull away, indicating their comfort level.
As romantic as it might be to think so, kissing is not a universal gesture among human beings. Even today, there exist some cultures, such as the Mehinaku tribe of Amazonia and sub-Saharan hunter-gatherer societies, that have no place for it. This suggests that it is not innate or intuitive as it so often seems to us.
A French kiss, also known as cataglottism or a tongue kiss, is an amorous kiss in which the participants' tongues extend to touch each other's lips or tongue. A kiss with the tongue stimulates the partner's lips, tongue and mouth, which are sensitive to the touch and induce sexual arousal.
In the Slavic culture, the long-lasting tradition of two men exchanging a kiss on the lips when they met was a sign of respect and friendly intentions.
Research from May 2023 found texts from ancient people in Mesopotamia that indicates that kissing was a well-established practice 4,500 years ago.
Dress Code: While clubs may have relaxed dress codes inside, modest clothing is required in public areas. Public Displays of Affection (PDA): Activities like kissing or holding hands are not allowed in public spaces. Smoking: Permitted only in designated areas.
The butterfly kiss is an especially intimate and romantic type of kiss. All you have to do is sit close to your partner and let your lashes flutter together like butterfly wings as you kiss. This kiss means you're head over heels for your partner.
If kissing before marriage stimulates lust or leads to sexual immorality, it is a sin and should be avoided between couples that are not married.
Most guys enjoy kissing on the mouth. Once you're comfortable with light kisses on the lips, try moving on to deeper and more intimate kisses, like the French kiss. If you're both bored with kissing on the lips, try kissing him in other places, like on his forehead, cheek, or shoulder.
First kisses, flirting, and making out…
(In Spain, it's customary for men who are close friends and family to kiss on the lips, as it is in some places in the Arab world.)
A sniff kiss is another way to show affection in some Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.
Glasgow kiss (plural Glasgow kisses) (British, euphemistic, humorous) A sharp, sudden headbutt to the nose, usually resulting in a broken nose.
“Pink Kiss” 🩷 A smooth gin cocktail with bright citrus notes and a touch of sweetness, perfectly balanced for a refreshing and elegant taste.