typically.nl

For a decidedly rude society, the ‘three kisses’ greeting is an odd component. Or maybe it isn’t, and is it a result of said behaviour. A smoke-screen, hiding all too blatant unfriendlyness. It is true though: all Dutch people kiss three times when meeting and greeting.

The kisses are exchanged between people who know each other reasonably well and up. So, as a total stranger you are safe for the time being. Most likely you will be given a good handshake and that’s it. Don’t get too comfortable though.

Here is what will happen, should the time come:

Meeting

Directly after meeting your friend, you will lean towards the other person. You do not shake hands; instead you continue moving your head towards the other. Aim for the left cheek. Pretty soon your partner will acknowledge this with moving towards you as well. This serves as a confirmation that the kiss is actually going to happen. (Note: when response does not occur, cancel the proceedings and pretend nothing happened.)

Tout your lips and approach your target with a steady pace. Your aim is square on the left cheek; take care not to touch ear or mouth. Kiss the cheek subtly, avoiding wetness. Quickly move backwards slightly and repeat on the right cheek. Then quickly back again to the left one. After finishing, move back quickly and begin your introduction. It is also permissible to start talking during the sequence:

“Hallo (smooch) hoe (smooch) gaat (smooth) het??” (Hello how are you??)

Greeting

Said procedure is repeated during goodbye as well. The general concensus is that you leave immediately after kissing; so make it the last thing you do. Standing in the doorway is preferred, and expected even.

It takes some getting used to, but you too can master the three-kisses-greeting. Hey, maybe you will grow to like it after a while.