10152 Kissing in Italy

[B]A question on protocol[/B]

I would like to know peoples experiences on greeting in Italy. When you have the fortune to know someone a little better, you kiss them on each cheek, so the question is with which cheek do you start with and how many.

I know in France the number varies in the north and south, so I would be interested to hear what variations there maybe in Italy.

Chris

Category
General chat about Italy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 14:59

Both men to men etc right cheek 1st.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 15:17

This would be helpful, particularly with etiquette:

[url=http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html]Italy - Italian Language, Culture, Customs and Business Etiquette[/url]

I agree that it is air-kissing starting from the left.

Amongst the aristocracy, hand-kissing is usual, but it is also air-kissing, unless you are a relative, then you can really kiss the hand, particularly in the case of an elderly lady.

Good manners and appearances are most important in certain circles.

P.S. One point I do not agree with. Calling cards should only give full names, without titles, etc., and they should not carry the address and phone number (that is for business cards only). If you want to give those details to a person, you simply handwrite address and phone number.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/07/2008 - 08:14

[QUOTE=Gala Placidia;94455]This would be helpful, particularly with etiquette:

[url=http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html]Italy - Italian Language, Culture, Customs and Business Etiquette[/url]

Many thanks for this info, I have started a file in Italy for the lovely info/ recipes etc; given on this site, we find it so useful, and our visiting friends think this is great idea.
Thanks to all
Lin

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/08/2008 - 07:59

No No No PAS 55 Italian ladies from the "upper classes" would disapprove..air kisses are de rigueur.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/08/2008 - 08:09

IMHO
I Dont think it matters,as long as its not, your doctor, priest or cell mate ..........

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/08/2008 - 10:23

Here you have the perfect definition:

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_kiss]Air kiss - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]

But I do not agree that it is only done by models and celebrities to protect their makeup. Everybody does it and in many countries as well.