Failing at Kiss Hello.

Either way, here's my most recent lesson in being an expatriate...

One of the weird things that they don't tell you when you are moving to another country - is that everyone else in the world kisses each other ALL THE TIME - on the cheeks, at least twice, and sometimes more. Seriously. And I cannot get the hang of it. I always end up leaning in at a weird angle, or at the wrong time, or not enough, or just after I've reapplied tons of lip gloss, and I feel like I might as well wear a big sign that says, "I'm an American and I do not know what I'm doing. I cannot master a simple gesture." Now, it's not like I'm running around making out with everyone I meet, but apparently it's expected when you meet people and when you are saying your goodbyes. For example, we met up with a bunch of new people and you have to go through each person in the group and kiss hello - even if it's that you've just met. I'm sure you can imagine this takes a moment, and to me, feels completely awkward, "Hi, I just met you, now I will kiss you." I guess all I'm saying is that I really miss the hug. To me, hugs are a more universal, easier way to meet and greet. Oh, and it's really hard to mess them up. So, the next time I see you, and I look like I'm about to do something weird to your face, it's probably because of the Kiss Hello.