chancellor Posted August 27, 2010 Posted August 27, 2010 Hello everyone, long time lurker first time poster. I just moved to Canada/Ontario after spending most of my childhood in Russia. Other than my cousins, I don't have many friends yet but I'm working on it! I was told that in English Canada people generally don't kiss anyone other than their close family and their partner of course. That's quite a change from Moscow! I met a girl in university (she's from northern Ontario) and we became friends. I think we were both pretty lonely! We went for coffee a couple of times and she started to greet me with a hug, which I understand is pretty common around here. But the last three times I saw her, she also gave me a kiss on the cheek while hugging me. So help me out here... Is a kiss and a hug okay for friends in Canada/North America?
Author chancellor Posted August 27, 2010 Author Posted August 27, 2010 Lol, yes- it's very normal. Thanks for reassuring me! Honestly though, I don't see anyone doing it! Not even girls amongst them. They'll give each other a nice big hug but no kissing!
D-Lish Posted August 27, 2010 Posted August 27, 2010 I don't know, I kiss my friends on the cheek sometimes when i see them.... My family? Never. Lots of people do though. Are you talking about the double cheek kiss greeting?
Author chancellor Posted August 27, 2010 Author Posted August 27, 2010 I don't know, I kiss my friends on the cheek sometimes when i see them.... My family? Never. Lots of people do though. Are you talking about the double cheek kiss greeting? Where I come from, even guys will give the double or triple cheek kiss greeting to other guys. Here in university, the only people I see kissing are couples. Are you from Canada or the US?
FearandLoathing Posted August 27, 2010 Posted August 27, 2010 Haha this is cute It's certainly okay for people to do it here with friends and family and partners, but it's not the norm. We don't do it to greet people or anything like that. Some people are just really friendly and open and that's how they are with their friends, I would say most people are more reserved though. I'm from Ontario, btw
D-Lish Posted August 27, 2010 Posted August 27, 2010 Where I come from, even guys will give the double or triple cheek kiss greeting to other guys. Here in university, the only people I see kissing are couples. Are you from Canada or the US? Canada, Ontario, Toronto to be exact. You probaby don't want to impose the triple cheek kiss without expecting a punch in the face when it come to other dudes if that helps you assimilate better:lmao:
oxfordsocks Posted August 27, 2010 Posted August 27, 2010 I live in Ontario--about and hour North of Toronto--and in general greetings don't include kissing. However, there are some families that have roots from Italy and Holland and Greece that do greet members of the opposite sex with a kiss on the cheek. With strangers this may be the exception rather than the norm. BUt once a person is known its very common. A handshake is most common form of approach--then once a friendship is established a hug and kiss might follow there after upon greetings with a member of opposite sex.(most common in non famililal greetings)
Author chancellor Posted August 27, 2010 Author Posted August 27, 2010 Wow, such diverse answers coming from real Canadians. No wonder I'm confused! My friend does not have a Latin background. Her parents are Irish or something.
Philetus Posted August 27, 2010 Posted August 27, 2010 Wow, such diverse answers coming from real Canadians. No wonder I'm confused! My friend does not have a Latin background. Her parents are Irish or something. I'm in Toronto. Yes, unfortunately, Canada is a country of immigrants (especially Toronto) and there is no hard-and-fast rule which is bad news and good news. The good news is if you do kiss people on the cheek, you won't get punched because everyone has seen it before. Unless, as someone pointed out, you kiss a guy. If you NEVER kiss anyone on the cheek, you'll be okay, so make that your default. When you meet people expect NOT to kiss them on the cheek. The same with hugging, shake hands instead, including with women. We almost never kiss someone you just meet, but there are some exceptions in social situations. Until you get used to it, best to assume, no kissing. To be safe, take your cues from other people. If women move to hug you, hug back. Generally, if you're hugging the kiss on the cheek is okay as this girl started doing with you. Some Canadians (esp French) do the double kiss on both cheeks so be ready for that. We don't triple kiss and we don't kiss on the lips unless you are VERY CLOSE friends. If you get in a situation that seems awkward (if someone looks at you funny for kissing them) explain that in Russia we do this readily. We're a country of immigrants and we're generally pretty sensitive to cultural differences. You'll be fine.
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