If you had thought that swine flu had put an end to the social obligation of conference kissing, think again. The Blog has detected two major influences sweeping across the world of social cheek-kissing, and conference-goers will want to familiarise themselves with them before embarking for EPCA in Berlin. First is the inexorable spread of the Dutch three-cheek kiss, and second is the emerging trend sweeping in from
Regular attendees at petrochemical conferences will have noticed the Dutch kiss sweeping across European borders, practiced now not only by Dutch members of the petchem community but also anyone with a Dutch office or who has at any time done business in or around the Netherlands. "We're all Dutch now," is the standard refrain.
More unnerving for the majority of attendees at the forthcoming EPCA conference will be the spread of the Argentine/Uruguayan "Saludar." Oh yes, I have seen the future of social kissing and am waiting agog to see its arrival in the world of petchem conferences.
At a polo match at
How long before the Dutch get hold of the Saludar and bring us the Dutch Saludar?
(Photo Rex)
I long ago abandoned the single-cheek kiss, or even the two-cheek kiss in favour of the "Dutch 3 cheeker" since it was a whole lot easier than having to remember what was the "done" thing in each case - also avoided some uncomfortable cheek to air or ear to cheek mistakes!
Brrrr. Kissing. What's wrong with the British approach?
1. Look them in the eye
2. Extend hand
3. Grip firmly, but not too firmly
4. Ask after their health in a neutrally disinterested way.
5. Get no closer than 95cm (1 yard)
That said, about 20 years ago I was performing this ritual towards a female contact whose home was Paris. She took one look at my extended hand and said "Why shake hands when you could have a French kiss?" I'm proud to say that I did the gallant thing and accommodated her.