Source: http://www.worldhum.com/how_to/item/...llo_in_france/

The French tradition of exchanging kisses when saying hello and goodbye to family, friends and often perfect strangers can baffle outsiders. How to faire la bise? Terry Ward kisses and tells.

imageThe situation: You’re invited to an apero, a casual cocktail gathering among friends often held in private homes. It’s the French equivalent of happy hour. You’re expected to make the rounds upon arriving, going from person to person, whether you know them or not, and greeting each individual with the appropriate number of kisses on the cheek.

Despite the amorous reputation of the French, there’s nothing romantic implied. “Kissing means only that you are in a certain circumstance, it doesn’t mean you have a special relationship,” Toulouse native Eric Viala, 34, explains.

How to kiss: The French air kiss – ala “Mmmmwah, dahling” – is more of a stereotype than an actuality. Still, you’ll want to avoid planting your lips firmly on anyone’s cheeks unless you know the person quite well.

In general, gently touching your cheek to your recipient’s while pursing your lips and making a kissing sound does the trick. There’s no rule as to which cheek should get the initial kiss, but people often start the kissing to the right. The occasional embarrassing moment—when you’re forced to change your trajectory halfway through to avoid wayward lips—is inevitable.

How many kisses: It depends on the region, so observe the people around you and follow suit. In the southern city of Toulouse, for example, two kisses is the norm, while in some Parisian suburbs you’ll be expected to give four and in the agricultural departement of Aveyron it’s three.

Who to kiss: Among the 20- and 30-something generation it’s pretty much expected to kiss hello, even when meeting friends of friends for the first time.

Who not to kiss: When greeting elderly people for the first time it isn’t always appropriate to faire la bise and you can avoid a potentially embarrassing situation by simply shaking hands. French women faire la bise with other women and between the sexes, but if you see two men kissing one another hello or goodbye it usually means that they are very close friends or haven’t seen each other for some time. As a rule, foreign men should stick to handshakes when forming relationships with French men and go with the flow as the relationship grows.

When to kiss everybody: At New Year’s parties the kisses flow like vin rouge in France, with everyone getting in on the cheek swapping. Depending on the size of the soiree you attend, your head will be spinning from more than just the champagne when you bid adieu.

When to have a sense of humor: As a foreigner, there’s a fair chance the French people you meet will proffer a hand instead of a cheek as many are aware that other cultures don’t necessarily faire la bise. “One time, after being introduced as an Australian, I got in position to be kissed but it didn’t happen,” said Jane Elliot, 29, with a laugh. As in all unfamiliar situations, awkward moments come with the territory when traveling abroad, but the French are an understanding bunch and as long as you take your cue from what’s happening around you, you’re sure to make an enlightened impression.

In general, gently touching your cheek to your recipient’s while pursing your lips and making a kissing sound does the trick. There’s no rule as to which cheek should get the initial kiss, but people often start the kissing to the right. The occasional embarrassing moment—when you’re forced to change your trajectory halfway through to avoid wayward lips—is inevitable.
THIS IS WHAT I DO GENERALLY!!

Dear BRMians...this is my duty, as a real shedevil that i'm, to advice u that french kiss is an obsession for our friend Root ....few weeks ago, on the french forum, he had already posted a msg about it...i see with surprise that he don't know more about french kiss today than yesterday >>> french kiss still a mystery for him

PS : kisses on cheeks, for us, are not included in term of "french kiss". French kiss is something very special n we r the bests for it, of course

yes i am agree with Durga. You can't say that french kiss and "faire la bise" are the same thing.
the french kiss are made with, a little of tongue, a little of dexterity and LOT OF FEELING.
You can't do it with your brother. Beurk

smack smack

nice article

HEre's something to go along with the post...

Angel Kiss

A comforting kiss.
Kiss your partner very gently, delicately on their lips or eyelids.



A friendly kiss. With you hands on your partners shoulders, brush your lips across their cheeks. Be gentle. A kiss preferred on the first date.

Chew Kiss

While kissing tell your partner to place their tongue in your mouth. Very VERY GENTLY chew on their back of the tongue. Do not suck. This creates a sensation that can be very exciting.

Copy Cat Kiss

Just imitate the way your partner kisses. Copy every act of their kiss.

Cordial Kissing (Hot/Cold Kiss, Trickle Kiss)

Sip a very small amount of your favourite drink, either hot or cold and when you just begin to kiss, pour the drink into your partner's mouth. It will leave behind a sensational feeling. Some love this type of kiss and some cringe with the thought of it.

Butterfly Kiss

Open and close your eyelids against your partners, when the two of you come very close before kissing. If the eyelids are fluttered in a correct manner hey will match the beats of your heart.

Eskimo Kiss

With your faces less than a breath apart, gently rub your noses together.

Earlobe Kiss

Lightly nibble and suck the earlobe of your partner. This kiss is known to arouse the person. Do not suck loudly as ears are sensitized noise detectors.

Flavour Kiss

Just before you decide to kiss your partner pop in a long lasting flavoured chewing gum into your mouth. Pass this gum along each other's mouth and see how long the flavour last.

Freeze Kiss (Melt Kissing)

Kiss with a twirl of cold. Take an ice cube in your mouth and while kissing keep passing this cube with the help of your tongue. An erotic yet sensuous kiss. Experiment with this fun kiss.

French Kiss

Also known as the Tongue Kiss or Soul Kiss is one of the most popular type of kiss. A kiss that involves the tongue touching your partners lips or even entering their mouth.


The protective kiss. The motherly kiss or just friends kiss. This kiss is the most comforting kiss for anyone. Just brush your lips against their forehead.

Foot Kiss

For feet kiss you need to gently suck the toes and then kiss the foot. While kissing the foot gently massage the base of the foot. It might tickle, relax and enjoy it.

Hickey Kiss

While kissing your partner gently suck them near the neck. Please do not be too hard or bite. It will hurt them. Your kiss will leave behind a mark.

Hand Kiss

Gently raise her hand to your lips. Lightly brush your lips across the top of her hand. Historically this kiss was performed with a bow, which showed respect to a lady.

Lasts Longer Kiss

Sit very close to each other. Your lips should almost be touching your partner's lips and arms can be where you please to keep them. Sit in this way, and see who can control without kissing the other. It is great, because even if you lose on purpose, you still WIN!

Marathon Kissing

This kiss is just to find out how long you and your partner can kiss at a stretch. Try kissing for 5-10 minutes without stopping. The longer the better right!!!

Motion Kiss

Begin kissing slowly, and then start to increase the speed. Once the kiss is sped up you should also slow it down. Too much of everything is too bad.

Start by kissing your partner on the neck and slowly lick them around the neck. You could also gently nibble on their necks too. You could end this kiss with a gentle peck on their lips.

Nip Kiss

It creates a very erotic sensation. While kissing your partner gently nibble on their lips. Be careful not to bite or hurt them. If done correctly and passionately it ignites amazing sensations.

Shoulder Kiss

A loving kiss. From behind just embrace them and kiss them on the top of their shoulder.

Sigh Kiss

While kissing gently lick your partner's lips with the tip of your tongue. Then blow or sigh into their lips. It will cause a tingling effect and will also intensify the kiss for sure.

Sip Kiss

Just before finishing your drink leave a little bit of it on your lips, and then kiss your partner. Your partner will enjoy the sensual feeling.

Stomach Kiss

Gently kiss and nibble on your partners stomach, sometimes it leads to other things.

Suck Kissing

A seductive kiss. Just like French Kissing, while your partner's lips are slightly parted, suck on their upper or lower lip, just for a second or two. You could continue as long as you want or you could try out a variety of kisses.

Surprise Kiss

Surprise your partner when they are asleep, get close and gently kiss them on their lips, intensify the kiss till your partner gets up.

Tickle Kiss

Begin with a French kiss and once your tongue is in your partner's mouth, stroke your tongue across the roof their mouth. Your partner could do the same to you. This will bring unbearable chills. The roof of your mouth is one of the most ticklish parts of the body. This kiss is different every time you do it.

Tongue Kiss

While French kissing your partner; gently suck their tongue while it's in your mouth. This produces a wonderful, erotic feeling for both!

Upside Down Kiss (Spiderman Kiss)

Stand behind your partner who is either sitting or lying down, and tilt their heads back. Kiss or nibble their lips and they will in return do the same. This is fun as you can feel them breathing on your neck, as you both kiss.

Underwater Kiss

Ever tried kissing underwater. It is a unique and a lovely feeling. Find your partner underwater and kiss them. If you gasp for breath you'll be back at the top. If you want to continue the kiss it is left entirely up to you and your partner.

Vacuum Kiss

A playful kiss. When kissing slightly suck as though you were sucking air from your partner's mouth. Wave Kiss

While kissing your partner, slowly roll your tongue like a wave, up and down. It can be a little sloppy, but it's a unique feeling and always gets a little laugh when it's done.

i dnt need to do a flavour kiss coz im a mint chocolate...a evalastin mint chocolate

lol, Rutchin, anyone tried any of those kisseS?

some but not all..that is my goal..to try every one of them....if anyone want to share the goal with me...i am ready...

p.s. gals only...lol

woow rutchin nice article i like !