Kissing friends as a form of greeting

We don’t do kissing now unless it’s family. Hugs with very dear friends. And cheery ‘hellos’ and smiles with everyone else. It’s safer and I think choices for the majority have changed.

Agreed, Espee and I am using COVID as an excuse to give up handshaking too. Always disliked it, sweaty hands…yuk!

Definitely not kissing, but I did love hugging friends and family It's mostly stopped now, of course, and I miss it.
Anyone with a cold should certainly explain and refrain.

I have always hated the tradition of kissing on both cheeks, so I wouldn’t ever do it, ( not ever) I think it’s ridiculous! I would say sorry each to their own it’s not something I do, but pleased to meet you etc, if they are going to take offence then that’s their problem, I’m quite assertive so I find it easy to say what I feel,

I agree with Esspee. It is wonderful not to feel obliged to hug and kiss everybody you meet. I wasn’t brought up to it, but it became a fashion we felt we had to go along with. Thank goodness, no longer!

I have never been a hugger except with people I love. Now I have the perfect excuse. Bliss.

Speaking as a former kisser and hugger, I have no problem in a distant greeting at all. I don't think you would cause offence by refusing that particular form of greeting. If people find that cold, that says more about them than you.

We tend to do lovely hugs now with faces in opposite directions.