This is a very complex question and it can vary wildly. In France, the appropriate number of cheek-to-cheek kisses varies from one region to the next. In most places, expect at least two kisses, one on each cheek. Very often, it goes up to three, maybe two for symmetry and one extra for good luck.
One respondent remarked that the custom of three kisses appeared more prevalent in the area roughly corresponding to 17th-century Protestant France, and that it could have been a way of recognising those of the same faith (three being a sign of the Trinity).
What is la bise? La bise is a French greeting where two people kiss each other's cheeks two, three, and even four times. Contrary to what you might think, this kind of greeting kiss is not typically French!
In Paris, as well as in some other major cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse, two kisses are the norm. In the South, particularly near Marseille and Montpellier, as well as in the North, near Lille, people have a preference for three kisses. In western France, meanwhile, near Nantes, four kisses are given (that's a lot!)
Three kisses in a row is a new type of kiss that a person in love gives to the one they love. These kisses are short ones that come one after the other. If they give you these magical three kisses, one after the other, they want to make sure that you know that they love you.
While cheek kissing is a common greeting in many cultures, each country has a unique way of kissing. In Slovenia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland and Lebanon, it is customary to "kiss three times, on alternate cheeks".
In the Netherlands it is considered quite normal for Dutch people to greet each other with three kisses on the cheek. It is also custom to do the same again when saying good bye. It's just a friendly way of saying hello and farewell. It's not limited to the Dutch either.
Begin with your lips.
Press your lips to your partner's, alternating between light brushes of your lips and more powerful kisses, then closed- and open-mouthed kisses. While you can leave your hands at your sides, adding a gentle caress can be enjoyable for the other party.
Elsewhere in France, most residents exchange two kisses when greeting somebody, except for those in the region of Languedoc and the south of the Rhône-Alpes region. Two kisses are also customary in the French-speaking parts of Switzerland.
La bise is a traditional, common way to greet family, friends, and even coworkers (depending on your workplace). It's the equivalent of both a handshake and a hug. Basically, faire la bise consists of lightly kissing someone on the cheek or cheeks.
Kissing culture shock
In the Netherlands it is considered quite normal for Dutch people to greet each other with three kisses on the cheek. It is also customary to do the same again when saying goodbye. It's just a friendly way of saying hello and farewell. It's not limited to the Dutch either.
Bisous is important to the French culture becuase it is how you can show politeness when meeting people. If you run into your best friend in France, you might give them a hug. However, if you run into someone who you aren't as close with you do bisous.
Bisous is a kiss where lips touch the skin. It's a very tender way of saying kiss in French.
It is rude to sit with one's legs spread apart unless in a relaxed context. Rather, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee or knees together. Feet should not be placed on tables or chairs. If someone is invited to a restaurant or a business function, it is acceptable to arrive at the specific time.
“The three second rule was an old piece of advice about the time it takes to make a good first impression. How it's shifted to meaning that guys can forcibly kiss and touch a woman for three seconds to see if she says no, is a horrible reflection of the understanding people have about consent.
When a man kisses you with their tongue, it means that they are head over heels for you. There is nothing that excites them anymore except for you. A French kiss is a sign of attraction and desire and if he kisses you with so much passion, he sure wants you.
Elsewhere in France, most residents exchange two kisses when greeting somebody, except for those in the region of Languedoc and the south of the Rhône-Alpes region. Two kisses are also customary in the French-speaking parts of Switzerland.
In Paris, you give two to three kisses.
A kiss with the tongue stimulates the partner's lips, tongue and mouth, which are sensitive to the touch and induce sexual arousal. The sensation when two tongues touch—also known as tongue touching—has been proven to stimulate endorphin release and reduce acute stress levels.
It has been found that when couples French kiss, gently entwining their tongues with one another, there is an increase in the production of oxytocin, which is a hormone associated with building bonds with someone special to us.
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.
XX is a sweet, romantic gesture that indicates 2 kisses.
Basically, the other person is indicating that you're important to them and they either really love you, or they really want to smooch. If someone uses a lot of XXs but they use them with everybody, it's a big sign that they aren't being flirty.
Phycologists say that to maintain a healthy relationship, you should kiss your partner at least once a day, though ideally three times or more. It might seem like a no-brainer, but on those especially busy days it's easy to forget to take a few seconds to show your spouse that you love them.