I have the question very often from my students: « Should I kiss or shake hands? ». And I often tell them to subscribe to Comme une Française newsletter to get their free video Present yourself in French.

But this time, I’ve decided to do MORE and offer my answer to you all in a 2 parts article.

On thursday, I will publish an article answering Natasha (India)’s great question: « How do you explain the fact that some people shake your hand one day and kiss you the next time you meet? ».

And first, I wanted to write down my 5 golden rules I give to each of my students:

Rule #1: You will never brake any cultural code by shaking hands. So if you have no idea what to do: shake hands!

Rule #2: Whatever people can tell you, there is NO rule about the number of kisses.

Rule #3: Check what others do and do the same. Being a foreigner or a newbie in the group has no influence over the way you greet the members of the group.

Rule #4: Stop feeling embarrassed when you go for handshake and the person wants to kiss you. Smile, kiss, go on. It happens to French all the time. To me at least once a week. This is NOT personal.

Rule #5: NEVER hug a French. (I had an expat girl come to me once with a big smile and this phrase « You just saved my life by telling me this! » ;))

This content is good and for free. You know you can get much more in the module «Chat in France» of Moving to France.

Action: Write down 5 situations where you felt embarrassed when greeting a French person. Apply the 5 golden rules to know what you will do next time you meet.

Share it: I know you have 3 friends who wonder « Should I kiss or shake hands in France? ». Send them the article NOW!

Have fun in France!

Géraldine