When I meet a girlfriend, we kiss and/or hug - depending upon the level of friendship, it may be a kiss on the lips accompanied by a bear hug [this indicates very close girlfriend with whom you share intimate secrets & deep thoughts, have been naked with, completely trust and would prostitute yourself for]; or both cheeks and a gradation of hugs [this indicates close girlfriend with whom you share some secrets and thoughts, have probably been semi-naked with] ; one cheek with a hand on the shoulder [this indicates either a pleasant business colleague who you know quite well or a recently introduced girl friend/colleague that you think you're going to like.
Generally, the only times we shake hands without a kiss is in business situations where we're new to each other or we're dealing with corporate stiffs, pen-pushers, etc. and social situations where we've just been introduced.
Moreover, we move up the scale pretty quickly and will select elements depending upon situations. Whilst full lip kissing has to be earned, two cheeks without major body exposure can be achieved quite quickly.
I am keeping this simple by only talking British despite the fact that often we are interacting with other nationalities.
So men - what is your problem? Fathers and sons who as described by Nick Angel, journalist when meeting his dad prior to his father's departure on a month long journey to New Zealand reflects on what he calls "a vortex of awkwardness" : "God forbid - kissing, we shuffled. edging slowly away from each other as though some invisible tide was prising us apart, when a safe enough distance had been reached , we waved cheerfully and disappeared into the night.
It would seem for you men that a solid handshake suffices in most professional situations but as NA writes "after that it's an absolute lottery". The choices range from high-fives, to a kiss in a continental situation, a foot rocking, half smile, an arm-grab where you grasp right arm with your left whilst shaking hands, a robotic pat on the back.
But the male-to-male kiss - ooh la la - you don't want to talk about it let alone practise it! However, back in the 15th century the English used to be "kissing champions". It was convention to kiss a stranger on the lips!
Whilst our continental cousins have clearly established conventions, we're in an age of flux caught between different male role models - the "strong silent type" of old and the modern metrosexual ideal".
It seems strange to me that you guys regularly get out your equipment in front of complete strangers, share baths naked after having grappled with each others' bits on a muddy playing field, fantasise about women kissing women,..so why not grab a guy and give him a smacker just because he's a mate and you love him!
Generally, the only times we shake hands without a kiss is in business situations where we're new to each other or we're dealing with corporate stiffs, pen-pushers, etc. and social situations where we've just been introduced.
Moreover, we move up the scale pretty quickly and will select elements depending upon situations. Whilst full lip kissing has to be earned, two cheeks without major body exposure can be achieved quite quickly.
I am keeping this simple by only talking British despite the fact that often we are interacting with other nationalities.
So men - what is your problem? Fathers and sons who as described by Nick Angel, journalist when meeting his dad prior to his father's departure on a month long journey to New Zealand reflects on what he calls "a vortex of awkwardness" : "God forbid - kissing, we shuffled. edging slowly away from each other as though some invisible tide was prising us apart, when a safe enough distance had been reached , we waved cheerfully and disappeared into the night.
It would seem for you men that a solid handshake suffices in most professional situations but as NA writes "after that it's an absolute lottery". The choices range from high-fives, to a kiss in a continental situation, a foot rocking, half smile, an arm-grab where you grasp right arm with your left whilst shaking hands, a robotic pat on the back.
But the male-to-male kiss - ooh la la - you don't want to talk about it let alone practise it! However, back in the 15th century the English used to be "kissing champions". It was convention to kiss a stranger on the lips!
Whilst our continental cousins have clearly established conventions, we're in an age of flux caught between different male role models - the "strong silent type" of old and the modern metrosexual ideal".
It seems strange to me that you guys regularly get out your equipment in front of complete strangers, share baths naked after having grappled with each others' bits on a muddy playing field, fantasise about women kissing women,..so why not grab a guy and give him a smacker just because he's a mate and you love him!
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