It is very common, in the southern parts of France, even between males, be they relatives or friends, whereas in the north (Langue-d'oïl France), it is less usual for two unrelated males to perform ′la bise′. (See Kissing traditions#Greetings.)
La bise is an exchange of kisses on the cheek and the traditional greeting in France. It's something most French people engage in at least once or twice a day, whether with family or friends, or with colleagues.
That's because while it is customary for women in France to greet both men and women with a kiss on each cheek, men generally reserve la bise for close male friends or family. La bise is not just a greeting for social settings, though.
La Bise, or the kiss in English, might not be the type of French kissing you have in mind, but instead, is an important cultural action that is used to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and even “congratulations” and is something you will encounter all over France– the act of air kissing the cheeks!
The way la bise goes depends on the person. Some don't make any sound at all. Others actually kiss the other person's cheeks. The most common number of bises is two, but it can range from one to four.
In the southeastern and eastern areas of France, it's left cheek first. In the rest of the country, it's the right. There are, however, two islands in each of these broad regions: In the blue zone, the French-speaking part of Switzerland stands out. In the red zone, Haute-Normandie is the exception.
Cheek kissing is most common in Europe and Latin America and has become a standard greeting in Latin Europe. While cheek kissing is a common greeting in many cultures, each country has a unique way of kissing.
Cheek kissing is very common in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Southern, Central and Eastern Europe, the Low Countries, the Horn of Africa, Central America and South America.
Most commonly, kisses are exchanged between close friends, relatives or acquaintances. What's most entertaining is that the cheek kisses are not reserved for woman-to-woman and woman-to-man, but with man-to-man as well. It a gesture of friendliness and companionship; a form of bonding through ritualized kisses.
New couples typically give each other a quick peck after a first date to show that both parties had a good time. Not exactly flirtatious, right? Our conclusion is that knowing the context, as always, is essential. A kiss on the cheek can be flirty depending on the circumstances, but it's more often a sign of affection.
When greeting each other, close friends may hug, back-slap or kiss one another on the cheek, while others may simply offer a nod. Women generally tend to be more physically affectionate during greetings. The most common verbal greeting is a simple “Hey”, “Hello”, or “Hi”.
The first kiss is important, as it carries a lot more significance than in other countries. In France, a kiss on the lips is seen as an agreement to entering into an exclusive relationship. So don't kiss anyone if you're not sure or don't want to be in relationship with them.
The cheek kiss is a gesture of friendship. It is simply a greeting and is not meant to convey attraction for another person. The cheek kiss is most common between a man and a woman, or two women, but it can take place between two men—especially if those two men are family members.
La bise, as the customary double cheek kiss is known, is so deeply entrenched in French life that it is deployed as casually as a handshake.
One respondent remarked that the custom of three kisses appeared more prevalent in the area roughly corresponding to 17th-century Protestant France, and that it could have been a way of recognising those of the same faith (three being a sign of the Trinity).
You don't have to use your tongue through the entire make out session. If you want to just kiss without tongue too, it's totally fine. When you ARE using tongue, your go-to move when Frenching can be a massage between your two tongues. You can also try different things and see what feels most comfortable.
Run your tongue along their lips or slide your tongue along theirs. Take it slowly and gently, allowing the intensity to build as you match your partner's energy and movements. If your partner likes hugging during kisses, use your hands to hold them close. Finish.
A kiss on the cheek can show support, friendship and attraction. While a short peck can demonstrate friendship and support, to show your sweetheart your attraction, give him a soft and lingering smooth on their cheek. Feeling soft lips brush against your check is a wonderfully simple way to show your love.
It is expected that you will shake hands with everyone present when arriving and leaving. Among friends and relatives, the most common greeting is the 'la bise' (kiss on both cheeks). The la bise consists of placing one's cheek against another's, making a kiss noise, then repeating it on the opposite side.
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! So, unless you're on a weekend jaunt to Italy, stick to leaning left.
As the French term indicates, this kind of kiss has a sexual connotation — you wouldn't French kiss a purely platonic friend (though you would French kiss a friend with benefits).
In the Netherlands it is considered quite normal for Dutch people to greet each other with three kisses on the cheek. It is also custom to do the same again when saying good bye. It's just a friendly way of saying hello and farewell. It's not limited to the Dutch either.