I would like to think that I have adapted quite well to my new working environment. I can cope with the side conversations in French, the corporate atmosphere, daily changing deadlines, executive directives, and the regimented hierarchy. My colleagues strictly adhere to their work/home division, with most people going home with no casual visits to the bar after hours. However, in contrast to this very formal environment, there is a flurry of kisses and winks in the morning and afternoon. Australians don’t even hug their friends unless it is a moment of extreme emotional significance. And now I am expected to kiss my superiors twice a day? It is weird.
Photo from paphio.
Entries (RSS)
I’ve heard this comment before, and coming from a different culture I can perfectly imagine that all this (very French) kissing and hugging with people in a working environment can feel strange at first.
But trust me, it’s only a superficial social lubricant that most just come to love.
As for the rather strict work/home division: that’s a turn off that I faced for years. Unlike in the US or Australia, Belgians do keep their distance.
I find it really strange too. Bens family are french so they do A LOT of kissing on arrival and departure. I’ve not noticed any winking though…! Apparently they all shake hands in Bens office and he used to do that at school each morning too. Very strange!
Oy, the kissing! It was very awkward for me at first. Still is sometimes in large groups of people. I don’t get how such introverted people are comfortable with kissing almost complete strangers.
Yeah, yeah, yeah!!!! This sounds familiar to me. I was so irritated during my first few weeks in France! Faire les bises (kissing on the cheek) is a normal social behaviour and you are expected to do it too. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.
And, you might enjoy this additional thought: In my point of view, it’s one of the most effective ways to spread flu and all other infectious diseases.
Cheers!
Absolutely one of the hardest things for me here! Still after 4 years I find it odd. I always find it confusing to know how many kisses as some of my friends kiss only once, others twice and my Dutch friends three times! I think there needs to be a standardisation of kissing in Europe
Yes, my Ben has real difficulty with it – especially as he has a couple of stinky unshaved men working in his lab!
The hilarious thing is when you see the wannabe ‘gangsta’ types, strutting along with their silly hats; they see their friends and go in for a quick peck on the cheek – it just ruins any street cred they might have hoped to have.
The number of kisses you receive is quite interesting too. One of my Belgian friends explained how you kiss people you don’t know well three times. Three times? This seems a bit odd. I mean why would you kiss someone you don’t know more than someone you’re very close to.
See, everyone seems to have a different experience. I have also heard that sometimes strangers get three kisses. But other Belgians I ask have never heard of that custom. So I second Alison’s plan to standardise European kissing. Then that might give us immigrants more of a chance at understanding our new country.