Two Kisses: Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia, Brazil (though, like France, the number can differ by region), and some Middle Eastern countries (though not between opposite sexes)
Spain: Generally speaking, two kisses (one for each cheek) is the norm. Italy: Two kisses is standard, but watch out — Italians tend to start with the left cheek.
The general rule of the cheek kisses is to give one or two light kisses, one on each side. Your lips shouldn't touch the other person's cheek unless you are extremely good friends; instead, aim to lightly touch your cheek to theirs.
In Italy (especially southern and central Italy) it is common for men to kiss men, especially relatives or friends. In most Southern European countries, kissing is initiated by leaning to the left side and joining the right cheeks and if there's a second kiss, changing to the left cheeks.
Most Italians are warm and demonstrative. They particularly enjoy bestowing their kisses on close friends and family, but for new acquaintances (potential future friends), in business settings, and with strangers, a handshake is the greeting of choice. Don't kiss someone you have never met before.
Two Kisses: Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia, Brazil (though, like France, the number can differ by region), and some Middle Eastern countries (though not between opposite sexes)
Showing affection in public is very common in Italy. If you want to show your affection for someone, hold hands while walking together or embrace each other in public. Kissing is the number one way that Italians show affection. They kiss everyone: friends, relatives, children, grandparents…you name it!
Italians don't often do full frontal body hugs when saying goodbye. Instead two cheek kisses, or a brief friendly hug are more common with friends and family. Since the Covid pandemic, however, this custom has changed. Instead of getting too close, people often blow air kisses from a distance to say goodbye.
Dating in Italy is passionate
Going out with an Italian is a passionate affair, so expect to be showered with compliments and affection. Don't be surprised if they want to be affectionate on the first date and try to kiss you.
In Italy, there's a whole lotta smooching going on. On streets, on bridges, on buses … at beaches. Kissing in Italy is an anytime/anywhere scenario. If, currently, PDA's (public displays of affection) wig you out, then traveling Italy will likely inspire a change in perspective.
Most people think Italians are very affectionate, but most people of Italian ancestry said, 'FAHGETABOTIT' when it came to kissing anybody on the lips expect their spouse or significant other. A few Hispanic callers said close family members, yes.
Now, a study of 3,000 tourists conducted by Italian sexologist Serenella Salomoni found that Italians won in five different romance categories, among them passion, duration, and even oral hygiene. French kissers, although in second place, lost out by a considerable margin of 10 percent.
Where does chef's kiss come from? The chef's kiss comes from the Italian gesture al bacio, literally “kiss” but with the sense of “excellent.” The image of a male Italian chef performing this gesture—often with a mustache, white chef's hat, and apron—spread in US advertisements after World War 2.
While cheek kissing is a common greeting in many cultures, each country has a unique way of kissing. In Slovenia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland and Lebanon, it is customary to "kiss three times, on alternate cheeks".
Don't be afraid to speak your mind, don't shy away from eye contact, and be sure of yourself overall. On the flip side, however, don't be so independent-minded that you bristle when he holds open a door for you. Chivalry is not dead in Italy. In fact, it's a way of life.
In Southern Italy, especially Sicily, the verbal greeting "I kiss the hands." (Italian: "Bacio le mani.") derives from this usage. Similarly, in Hungary the verbal greeting "I kiss your hand." (Hungarian: "Kezicsókolom.") is sometimes used, especially when greeting elders and in rural communities.
After the first catchphrase, an Italian flirting strategy would usually proceed with a ton of compliments and sweet words accompanied by slow movements like holding your hand, caressing your face, blinking, winking, smiling, and looking in your eyes.
Most Italians are warm and demonstrative. They particularly enjoy bestowing their kisses on close friends and family, but for new acquaintances (potential future friends), in business settings, and with strangers, a handshake is the greeting of choice.
No Splitting Bills
Although the more touristy restaurants might be prepared for complicated bill-splitting, most Italian restaurants won't be.
Let's pause for a minute here – although most people lead with their right cheek and lean to their left, in Italy it's customary to lead with the left cheek and lean to the right. It's not as complicated as it sounds – promise!
Italians hug and kiss to greet each other or to give their best wishes; they shake hands to congratulate, they give you a pat on the back as encouragement. They are certainly very tactile and you don't have to be embarrassed about this.
Other Italian phrases to express love besides "ti amo" include "ti adoro" (I adore you), "sei la mia vita" (you are my life), and "ti voglio tanto bene" (I love you very much).
Amore is the Italian word for “love”, so “my love” is amore mio. There's also another way to use amore and make it “cuter”, by adding the suffix -ino to it: amorino (“little love”).
The number one country was Austria (97.3), followed by Germany (96.8) and Cuba (95.8). The United States was at 91.3 points. The least affectionate touch toward their partners was shown by volunteers from China (52.8), The Netherlands (57.5), and Ukraine (58.6).