It is common to give air kisses on both cheeks (starting with your left) when greeting those you know well. This is called the 'il bacetto'. However, in Southern Italy, men generally only kiss family members and prefer to give a pat on the back to show affection in a greeting.
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.
The primary exception is Italy, which starts il bacio on the left. While some cultures really do apply lips to cheek, you're better off refraining. Instead, touch cheeks and administer an air kiss—a soft smacking sound, as opposed to the more bombastic mwah! —forgoing any actual exchange of saliva.
Italy: Two kisses is standard, but watch out — Italians tend to start with the left cheek. Also, try to save it for casual social environments (not networking events).
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.
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.
With Italian lovers, it's a more of a full body sport... A bit more bite or squeeze in by the lips. A firm tenderness with fingers on cheek, neck or gentle tug of hair while kissing. Kissing often being part of a well planned, sensual meal.
Physical Contact: Italians are generally tactile people and quite affectionate. It is common to see hugging, kissing, back slapping and hand holding in public.
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.
In Italy people usually greet their friends by hugging them, and if they are close (or a part of their family) they kiss each other on the cheeks twice. Italians always hug and kiss their good friends regardless of whether they are men or women.
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.
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.
Finger Kiss
Make sure your fingers are together and then lift your hand to your mouth. Touch your lips with your fingers. This translates as 'excellent!
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).
In general, Italians are more touchy-feely than their more northern neighbours, and kissing as a greeting has a long history in Italy. The Ancient Romans are credited with spreading the kiss throughout Europe and North Africa, though they certainly didn't invent the custom.
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.
Greeting others in Italy
When it comes to greeting new people, Italians shake hands and exchange three kisses on the cheeks. As to greeting friends and relatives, the tradition dictates that you must exchange a hug and two kisses on the cheeks.
They really like kissing you.
If you and your partner are making out and they suddenly reach their hands up to cup your face, they're probably having a good time. You can take it as a compliment and return the favor. They also might stroke your cheek or grab the back of your head. These are all good signs!
The habit of talking with one's hands in Italy has been reported to address and reinforce the meaning of expressions. An iconic symbol of Italian gesture is the movement of the hand with an up-down activity. Under normal conversation, gesturing helps in delivering the meaning and receiving information.
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.
The Italian verb for expressing a very serious and deep love is amare, which conjugates like this: (io) amo → “I love” (tu) ami → “you love” (singular)
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).
What is an Australian kiss? An Australian kiss. is when you start off with a French kiss. and then you end up Down Under.
Whilst it's customary to kiss twice in Spain, Italy and most of France, there are other places where people prefer one, two, three or even four kisses.
They like women that possess both grace and attractiveness
A lady who has a great eye for style and maintains her femininity through neat grooming, however, is much more likely to attract their attention. If you take care of yourself, though, you can attract an Italian man no matter your appearance.