--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Only snobs kiss once, I was told, or…" description: "\"“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 - t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/488/peter-mayle-13285_friendship_only-snobs-kiss-once-i-was-told-or-those_775428.jpg" --- # 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…” quote by Peter Mayle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/488/peter-mayle-13285_friendship_only-snobs-kiss-once-i-was-told-or-those_775428.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/488/peter-mayle-13285_friendship_only-snobs-kiss-once-i-was-told-or-those_775428.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/488/peter-mayle-13285_friendship_only-snobs-kiss-once-i-was-told-or-those_775428.jpg) > ““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.”” [Peter Mayle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-mayle/) ## 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Next time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/next-time/) ## Related quotes > [“Once, ten years ago, at a Sunday-afternoon party in some apartment that she remembered now as being labyrinthine, although it probably had only four…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-mcdermott/once-ten-years-ago-at-a-sunday-afternoon-party-in-some-apartment-that/) [Alice McDermott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-mcdermott/) > [But when Anthony kissed her, she felt as if she were losing her mind. 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Ask about the scale of their dreams.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-next-time-you-re-looking-at-a-charity-don-t-ask-about-the-rate-of/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Next time," I said wryly, swinging open the door, "just give me a knife and ask for a vein.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vicki-pettersson/next-time-i-said-wryly-swinging-open-the-door-just-give-me-a-knife/) [Vicki Pettersson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vicki-pettersson/) ## More by Peter Mayle > [Very little happens in my books.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-mayle/very-little-happens-in-my-books/) [Peter Mayle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-mayle/) > [I have a very set routine. I work six days a week, but only half days. I work from 9 in the morning till…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-mayle/i-have-a-very-set-routine-i-work-six-days-a-week-but-only-half-days-i/) [Peter Mayle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-mayle/) > [“Beh oui. 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I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-mayle/i-like-to-have-my-morning-newspaper-ironed-before-i-read-it-i-like-to/) [Peter Mayle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-mayle/) [Explore all 50 Peter Mayle quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-mayle/) ## More Friendship quotes > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I never believed in trying to do anything. 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