I notice Europeans are more touchy-feely and less inhibited about expressions. For example they would kiss a newly introduced friend. Anglo-Saxons (Brits and Yanks)are abit more reserved prefering a handshake or just a nod of the head. Why is this so? Is it cultural?

Duck! Incoming missiles!!

Elsegaard, I don't see the need to be so aggressive in your answer to Jen, who, if I'm not mistaken, is of Asian origin and asking a cultural question out of genuine curiosity, or insulting to Americans, who might not be perfect, but who is (except me ).<BR><BR>Jen, yes, it's cultural: Europeans in general (except the British, remember "no sex please, we're British" ;-&gt don't see anything strange or very intimate in kissing people on the cheeks. However, this applies only in informal occasions or with friends. <BR><BR>I've been however surprised at how quickly you get affectionately hugged by Americans once you've been introduced as a friend. On the other hand, only very close friends will hug or kiss me in Japan.

It really depends where in Europe you are, because it is cultural. French have this cheek kissing among friends (not a real kiss), often also other Mediterrenean people. But handshake is good everywhere, south and north. I have noticed that in northern Europe people hug, without kissing. Except men don´t hug each other. Oh, I still remember when 20 years ago many Polosh men gave hand kisses. That was wonderful! But I suppose they don´t any more.

Polish, not Polosh. I and o there right next to each other...

I had a French man kiss both of my cheeks as I was leaving a restaurant one night, I was so surprised I forgot to turn my head so I got smashed in the nose when he was aiming for the other cheek..I for one, would prefer , less touchy feely-but I think as a whole, most Europeans are much more reserved than Americans, who have to touch and pat a person all the time during a normal conversation..and don't start, I am an American.And I do not think this has anything to do with their sexuality-it is the greeting custom thing...

I think it is nice to see that men are not so homophopic as in the US. It is nice to see teenage and older guys walking along with arms around each other -- and not just when they're drunk to hold each other up. Also to see fathers and sons holding hands or hugging and touching. In the US there is an attitude that if a man touches another man it must be something sexual.

That is true-re:men holding hands,etc.I liked the way women shopping would be stolling down the street arms linked,there is a warmth and "human-ness" to it...Look, I invented a new word~Look at the way touching has become a forbidden thing in the US, either thought of as harrasment or molestation, and duing these times, we all need a little human touch..oh well, maybe things will change now?

I was in Europe and in Cairo for the first time recently, and did notice that women friends often walk arm in arm, and sometimes young men do too. In the U.S. I see this only among gay couples, but these people weren't.<BR><BR>I taught a workshop in Barcelona, and afterwards a number of the students (all young women) said goodbye by kissing me on both cheeks, or tried to, but I was so surprised I didn't exactly reciprocate. One of the girls noticed I was a bit flustered, and explained the custom to me (in Spanish, which I understood partially) But then, I kiss no one but my husband, not even relatives or close friends! (And I have no children.)<BR>A photo of the class is on www.costumegoddess.com/barcelona.htm<BR>Now that I think of it, this incident would make a good addition to my travelogue.<BR>

1. Remind me not to try to kiss Erlsegaard.<BR>2. The kissing/hugging thing is more Mediterranean. While in places like Germany, you're likely to get a handshake, no a hug or a kiss.<BR>3. Men holding hands is mainly a Muslim custom.

I suspect that the touchy feely Europeans you're thinking about are<BR>from the south. Italy, Spain etc.<BR>In my opinion, I wouldn't say Europeans<BR>are touchy feely. Have you ever been to Scandanavia or Holland? Very stoic. However, I will say catholics are more touchy feely than protestants, whether in the US or Europe.

Haha Dan-how about Baptists? What about those Mormons, never get a hug out of them! Boy, you read everything on these threads.

It all depends, of course, on the social circle and the country or even region within a country.<BR>Here in the Netherlands, it is normal for men to kiss female relatives, friends, and colleagues. Some female colleagues would be insulted if I would not kiss them on their birthday; and friends would think that there is a problem in our friendship if I wouldn't kiss them. <BR>Between men, it depends. In more liberal social circles, it is normal for straight men to kiss and hug each other; but in more conservative social circles straight men would never kiss each other. <BR>Gay men kiss each other all the time!

It rather depends on how much I've had to drink!!

Yes I am asian in origin. I have had Italian and Spanish men come up and give me a hug or a kiss on the cheek (Sometimes 3 kisses) when I don't know them and don't speak their language but I never get that from British or American men. (not that I'm complaining) Maybe they have never seen an asian girl before but I tend to think Anglo-Saxons are more reserved in their expressions? DO people of different races get the same treatment/ feeling?<BR><BR>BTW it is common for men in India to hold hands.<BR><BR>

Yes Jen, we are more reserved. Europeans do tend to greet with what I call brush kisses and I have noticed that two women dancing together is common.