Kissing strangers.....

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So... when is it OK to kiss a stranger? Eg a friend introduces his new partner. I kiss him hello, as I always would.

Do I a) smile and say hello to new gf b) shake hands with her c) kiss her too?

After a bit of chit chat, I usually go for a kiss goodbye. But I hate the awkward introductions.

Handshake for introductions is fine. Especially if you aren't in the UK.

Make sure it's a firm handshake though.

Nobody likes a limp shaker.

Shodan, or a damp dead fish one.

Kissing is a minefield. I live where it's customary and never know when to or not. I've been kissed hello, but not goodbye.

See...very few messages on this thread, because no one has the definitive answer to kissing.

I would kiss goodbye in that case, but not hello.

Yes, I usually go for a handshake but feel a bit stuffy sometimes!

i would go for A and B.

i hate being hugged and kissed by anyone other than dh and dc. sil is a hugger and kisser and i go stiff as a board when she does it to me, hate hate hate it.

i might be weird though

Hmm, a quick peck on the cheek is quite civilised< i think.

I reserve accompanying bear-hugs for my nearest and dearest though

Handshake on meeting (you don't know her yet), kiss both cheeks goodbye (now you do).

However, I find a kiss on one cheek more intimate and therefore for closer friends than a kiss on both cheeks, which I might do, or receive from a more casual acquaintance. No hugs though other than for very close friends and family. Hand on arm is quite enough!

But then some people just don't do kissing at all and that is fine - in fact my best friend is a non-kisser and she and I have only shared a hug and kiss a handful of times in 20 years, at times of real distress.

It's all so difficult!

I kiss those I like the look of
you can't be too rigid, everyone feels differently

Handshake for introductions.

One kiss (not two in the UK) for friends you know well.

No to kissing strangers.

I was mortified at a family party to be introduced for the first time to some of dh's cousins, aunts and so on, who proceeded to go in for a kiss?!

My Polish friend always insists on 3 which I will endure, as it's his culture and I like him.

Handshake for intros. Kiss or a hug (if you really found you got on well!) when you say goodbye.

However, if introduced to someone who obviously is accustomed to kissing on introduction, then I would not be fazed by it - my dad's family is very posh and so I'm fairly used to it.

A handshake upon being introduced and then just go for always kissing and always two. If you do it with enough purpose and confidence people assume you that you must be right and follow your lead.

I don't kiss unless they lean in for one.

If I was the GF in yor scenario, I wouldn't expect to be kissed at all. I'd think nothing of you kissing my partner (your friend), but I'd be preparing myself to shake hands with you or just say "nice to meet you". Might be slightly startled by a kiss.

Why not leave it to your friend to decide. After all, would you rush up to him and kiss him if he was with his stern looking boss at lunchtime? If his gf is a non-kisser he'll have the sense to simply pat your hand. Unless he's insensitive. If he kisses, make sure you kiss her too. Don't be the cause of dissension by letting her speculate about whether you don't accept her. If you definitely don't want to kiss her, greet her first before your friend. He may be flattered!