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Why American Men Shake Hands

When males from Europe or the Middle East meet
   They plant two kisses on each other's cheeks

American men are not so romantic
   Kissing cheeks might make them frantic

americakissmenepigram

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Caren Krutsinger

October 30, 2019 at 9:41 AM

You have nailed a big fear in our culture.

Gershon Wolf

October 30, 2019 at 11:23 AM

I like and appreciate your comment. You certainly nailed it. Smiles, Gershon

John Lawless

October 30, 2019 at 8:22 AM

I believe that the origin of the handshake was to ensure that neither was carrying a weapon....the same is true of the hug/kiss....a quick pat down of a potential friend/adversary...

Gershon Wolf

October 30, 2019 at 11:23 AM

Wow, John. I never knew that. Thank you so much for this information about the origins of handshakes and kisses. Hugs, I actually knew. (When they met, Laban hugged Jacob in the Bible to see if he could mug him. LOL---although it wasn't funny at all at the time). Cheers, Gershon

Brenda Chiri

October 30, 2019 at 2:12 AM

See in my family we kiss cheeks too and all close friends but it's how I was raised by my Italian daddy and French mama! People at times thought I was fresh! Haha! Love this!;)

Gershon Wolf

October 30, 2019 at 11:21 AM

Right. European (except for those Brits) and Middle-Easterners all kiss cheeks (often twice). By the way, Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jews do too. (They will shake hands though, if that's the convention. But kiss a woman other than their wife, God forbid!). Smiles, Brenda. ~ gw

Bobby May

October 29, 2019 at 8:39 PM

LOL, GREAT ONE Gershon

Gershon Wolf

October 29, 2019 at 8:40 PM

Let's shake on it, Bobby! Would you like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry (shake)? LOL. Thanks, my friend. ~ Gershon

Ronald D Thompson

October 29, 2019 at 6:46 PM

Great poem Gershon! For the record though, we in England don't really go for the kissing on the cheek either!! At least not I. A handshake will suffice. Sincerely hope all is well...Ron

Gershon Wolf

October 29, 2019 at 7:58 PM

Thanks for the info, Ron. Nina Parmenter (below), also from England, makes the same point... I probably needed to write Continent, instead of Europe, or something like that. Thanks again. All's well and hope equally so by you. Take care, Gershon