Kiss me once kiss me twice

Have you ever been caught in the one kiss, two kiss three kiss cheek banter with other fellow Americans or Europeans? I'm pretty certain I've locked lips turned cheeks and nodded politely several times or unknowingly misunderstood kissing signals by parting to soon or not staying long enough. I usually end up freaking out my American friends by slobbering on both sides of their faces while trying to rationalize with them that it's totally okay. Now habit, my German counterparts appreciate my puckered pout/lipstick stain greet and address me with tender touch-y touch-y responses.

I do, however, forget (quite often) the lovely 3 kiss greet from fellow Italian and Swiss chaps where, embarrassingly enough, I almost step back mid greet without follow through (as what happened to me today). The general pleasantries of the initial meet are a wonderful way to say hello and although strange for Americans, is quite normal for European folk.

Perhaps the trend borders on uncomfortable for American men when the friendly Italian man approaches with three kisses, a warm embrace and a long lasting man hold, but it is completely normal in Europe without any strange, questionable intentions or romantic tendencies. I adore friendly meet and greets and will continue to bless my American friends with the long lasting double kiss while showing genuine affection. As they say, 'a kiss, is a kiss, is a kiss'.