3. A Lesson in XOXOs
Hugs and kisses are another common way to greet people across the globe, but the actual execution varies from place to place. Three times is the charm in Belgium, where they use alternate cheek kisses, and in France it’s the double cheek (often just puckering in the air rather than making lip-to-cheek contact). In Mexico it’s just a one cheeker. In Arab countries, close male friends or colleagues hug and kiss both cheeks. Argentinean women kiss on the cheek while shaking with both hands, and the men hug each other. First introductions in Chile are also met with a kiss on the right cheek along with a handshake, and in Spain men embrace. Other Latin countries have similar touchy feely gestures to accompany greetings.
