Kissing friends as a form of greeting

I suppose it’s an invasion of your personal space, if you prefer others to keep their distance. I am quite choosy about who I’ll hug, I hate people who move in for the kill without checking first!

Kali2

I grew up kissing and hugging - and we always thought it so strange our Anglo-Saxon friends couldn't handle it.

Much more careful now due to Covid, but I am definitely a kisser and hugger, and always will be.

What if the person doesn't want to be kissed or hugged closely, you just go ahead because it's what you want? You don't give them a choice, you just make a move on them regardless?

What a silly reply- of course I don't!!! We are talking about friends here- as per title. And I know my friends well- and it very much depends on their nationality.

Most of my friends like kissing to greet and like a good hug- and that is fine by me. Yes, most of my British friends too. If I don't know, I will always make sure I find out and respect.

But it is clear that Anglo-Saxons are, in general, the only ones who are not kissers and huggers- and are considered 'cold and aloof' because of it. (not by me, I have lived in the UK all my adult life and know that is not the case, for most.)

The title clearly says 'friends' - not strangers.

Not something I care for either, even in the family. Several of us suffer with cold sores which are highly infectious so we have never kissed baby and children particularly.
I just wish people wouldn't get so narked when I refuse to kiss, even if it is on the cheeks.

Hugging and kissing is a sign of affection, which is what exists between friends.
Now, with Covid, we need to be more careful, but rejecting a hug from a close friend or family member, without explanation can be very hurtful.
If both participants have been vaccinated and boosted, the risks are reduced, and the hug can be beneficial to their mental health.
I remember one lady saying to the minister as she shook hands to leave after the service, "That's the first human contact I've had in the last week"
Note how animals, particularly cats make contact when they meet. We need physical contact, albeit now, as safely as possible.

Kali2

The title clearly says 'friends' - not strangers.

But the OP includes acquaintances which indicates people you don't know very well. We usually know what friends like or dislike, but the problem lies with acquaintances whose preferences we don't know.

A dear friend of mine, with whom I’ve exchanged kisses/hugs for years, has started kissing me on the lips! Nope! Stop! Don’t like it!

Quite happy to smile and stand back.

Shaking hands is preferable to hugs and kisses, you can give your hands a good wash!

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