​So what's so special about a kiss...or shall I say snogging, smooching, a peck on the neck, etc...

It seems that kissing has different meanings, expectations, and uniqueness across cultures and countries. This really is fascinating research! Based on a limited search on good 'ol Google (see some links below), it seems that the meaning and expectations of kissing are far more diverse than expected. Kissing itself is not universal, and some cultures don't even recognize kissing, while others consider it gross.

For many, kissing has long been considered an act of intimacy or affection with someone of closeness and familiarity, while others consider a kiss as a sign of friendship, or used during a welcome or goodbye. While many cultures include kissing as an important and meaningful gesture, some cultures do not recognize kissing at all (e.g. Somalia and some South Pacific islands), and others such as Inuit or Maori New Zealanders kiss by brushing their noses together and sharing one's breath. Some religious-based cultures have also made public kissing illegal (e.g. orthodox Muslim).

Even across North America, sub-cultures and generations have varied expectations around kissing and what is meaningful. After researching this fun topic, I now believe that the most confusing is country for kisses is France, with differing expectations for number of kisses to the cheek depending on the region. Parisians consider two kisses the norm, Provence leans toward three, and Loire Valley considers four kisses the most acceptable!
So, men...when greeting the apple of your eye, do you blow a kiss from across the room, kiss on the cheek, mouth, hand, or...? Women, how do you greet your love?

Wishing you a heart-filled (plus or minus the kiss) Valentine's Day

Cindy Fehr RN(NP)
https://linktr.ee/cfehr1