Kissing is the ultimate sign of affection and, if you live in some parts of Europe, not only between lovers or family members. We are all familiar with the image of our Italian friends and relatives air-kissing one another’s cheeks when they meet, a common habit also in Spain, France, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium and the Netherlands, but less so in Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon countries. In fact, we are not too keen on it in the States, either.

Truth to be said, il bacio sulla guancia – once a symbol of friendship and love – turned into a sort of fiend during the pandemic, for more than obvious reasons, and many are still to go back into the habit. But it remains a quintessential practice of Italy, one that has an interesting history and that, of course, must follow a special etiquette.