Only snobs kiss once, I was told, or those unfortunates…
““Only snobs kiss once, I was told, or those unfortunates who suffer from congenital froideur. I then saw what I assumed to be the correct procedure - the triple kiss, left-right-left, so I tried it on a Parisian friend. Wrong again. She told me that triple-kissing was a low Provençal habit, and that two kisses were enough among civilized people. The next time I saw my neighbor’s wife, I kissed her twice. “Non,” she said, “trois fois.” I now pay close attention to the movement of the female head. If it stops swiveling after two kisses, I am almost sure I've filled my quota, but I stay poised for a third lunge just in case the head should keep moving.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Social customs around greeting kisses vary by region; misreading cues can lead to awkwardness.
In simple terms: Kissing customs differ; watch signals.
Key Takeaway
Observe and adapt to local greeting norms.
Themes
culture
etiquette
communication
Mood
amused
lighthearted
Type
anecdotal
observational
When to use this quote
- meeting new people
- travel
- social events
- dating
Key Concepts
social norms
nonverbal cues
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you adjust greetings in unfamiliar cultures?
- What signals tell you when to stop?
A Different Perspective
Assuming a single rule may cause embarrassment.