Introductions

When being introduced to someone you must kiss them. The same goes if you see someone that you already know, even in passing. In Lyon, the general rule is 2 kisses, first moving to your right then to your left. This depends on the region, and around Paris it is not uncommon to have to kiss people 4 times. Some areas go to the other side too, which might go some way to explaining why people don’t generally move to different areas of France. Too much potential for social embarrassment by going to the wrong side or not showing enough affection by only giving 2 kisses rather than 3 or 4. If you happen to go to a house party, or indeed any gathering of friends, the process must be repeated until you have worked your way around the room, introducing yourself to everyone as you exchange kisses. Someone explained it to me as being impolite in France if you do not kiss, as it shows you are friendly enough with someone to invite them round to your house...or something.