Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 1: Cultural Conventions
• Tips
• Warnings

Need a greeting - somewhere between a formal handshake and an overly intimate kiss? In these cases, blowing a kiss in which you press your cheeks and kiss the air near someone's cheek is a good generally accepted sign of etiquette.

Steps

1. 1 Know in what situation blowing a kiss will be appropriate. Consider both the occasion and the nature of your relationship with each person you greet.
   • The air kiss is for special, formal occasions. Typically, formal occasions (weddings, formal evenings and ceremonies) that bring together people who are on good terms, but may not have seen each other before, are standard conditions for blowing kisses. Less formal celebrations (family gatherings, barbecues, and casual dinners) can be accompanied by hugs and kisses on the cheek, especially if you are dating someone you see regularly.
   • Blow kiss to people you know but not good enough. In most cases, air kisses are not given to strangers. Distant relatives, friends of your parents, or people who have been introduced to you by a good friend are best suited for this. Family members and close friends may be offended if they think that blowing a kiss is a subtle hint that you don't know them well enough for a real kiss.
   • Learn about the air kiss rules for the country you are in. Check out the Cultural Conventions section below for more information.
2. 2 Observe the actions of other people. Observing other people's greeting can help you assess whether blowing a kiss is appropriate. For example, if you are approaching an entrance and there is a host at the door greeting people, observe how they behave. If your cousin, who walks in front of you, blows a kiss and you are not familiar with the host closer than your cousin, then you will most likely need to blow a kiss too.
3. 3 Greet people you know by calling them by name. Before you move on to blowing a kiss, exclaim the name of your friend and smile as you approach him. If you can't remember the name, just exclaim "honey!" or "here you are too!"
4. 4 Read body language. When approaching, stretch out your hand, or touch or press against your friend with your forearm, elbow or hand (s). If he steps back or pulls away in some way, consider the default hug or shoulder to be enough. If he seems to be relaxed and in contact, blowing a kiss is likely to be appropriate. And if he hugs you or presses you lightly against his face, get ready to kiss and receive a kiss back in the traditional style.
5. 5 Learn to blow a kiss. The goal is to position your lips near his right cheek (start with the left, if this is customary in your culture). However, make sure your friend reaches out to his right cheek as well, so as not to get into an awkward position when you both come face to face. If you are going to kiss someone, you can gently press against your cheek.
6. 6 Kiss the air next to your cheek. Put your lips together and kiss the air slightly away from your face. Depending on what is appropriate for the cultural context of the event, it may be wise to cross over to the other side and repeat the kiss near the opposite cheek.
   • Add sound effects. * Women sometimes make a discreet kissing sound (for example, "smack!") During an air kiss; this is generally perceived as a friendly and feminine gesture to further embellish the greeting. Some men also make this low-key sound, although this is not necessary.

Method 1 of 1: Cultural Conventions

1. 1 Be aware of local customs for blowing kisses. Below are some general guidelines for different locations.
   • In North America, it is customary among acquaintances or close friends to blow one or two kisses, starting on the right cheek. Men generally do not kiss men, although often men kiss women and women kiss women. Blowing kisses are more popular in major cities, as well as parts of Quebec and New England.
   • In the UK, blowing kisses are popular with the upper class. A blowing kiss is considered unusual and unacceptable for two men.
   • In Spain and Italy, as a rule, it is customary to make two kisses, starting from the right or left cheek, depending on the region.
   • In France, it is customary to make two, three or four kisses, depending on the region. If you don't know, check first, or limit yourself to two kisses. Usually an air kiss is done when a woman meets, but among men it is considered acceptable. The French usually blow kisses when they meet at any time of the day.
   • In the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium, it is customary to make three kisses.
   • In Southern and Eastern Europe, blowing kisses are a common form of greeting between friends and acquaintances.
   • In Jordan, they give one kiss on the left cheek and several on the right, depending on how much you like the person.
   • In Latin America, one, two or three kisses are made. It depends on the location and the person. Blowing kisses are often used to greet new acquaintances as well as close friends. Men almost always expect a kiss from a woman as a greeting.
   • In Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, blowing kisses between men a la italiana, for example, in the style of football players, is common.
   • In Greece, it is customary for men to blow kisses if they know each other well (for example, distant relatives, two good friends, etc.).
   • In the Middle East, blowing kisses between two people of the same sex is common. Blowing kisses between opposite sexes are not permitted, unless the kissers are closely related or married.
   • In the Philippines, blowing kisses are a popular form of greeting between adults who are close friends or relatives. In general, women kiss women or men kiss women. Older relatives often blow kisses to younger relatives.
   • In Malaysia and Indonesia, it is customary for a younger relative to blow a kiss on the hand of an older relative as a sign of respect. Exhale air through the nose onto the elder's hand; do not touch your lips. Then press his hand to his forehead.
   • In South, Central and East Asia, cheek kisses - even blowing kisses - are rare and can be considered offensive, although their popularity is growing in metropolitan areas. Follow the example of those around you.

Tips

• If in doubt, shake hands.
• Blowing a kiss is a manifestation of love without giving it away. To strengthen positive interaction without physical contact, smile broadly and intelligently ask the other person how they are doing.

Warnings

• The wrong kiss can lead to negative social consequences.
  • If you blow a kiss to someone when the other person is ready to turn their cheeks to you, they may be very offended by your lack of intimacy.
  • If you make a real kiss when the other person is ready for an air kiss, you may feel uncomfortable, or your kiss may be interpreted as something more.
• Blowing a kiss to someone may seem like a manifestation of arrogance.