Argentina is a land of kisses. Everytime you see someone you know or meet someone for the first time, you have be ready to lean in for the kiss on the cheek. This greeting confuses me. In most social settings it isn’t a problem, but when you’re meeting locals that know you’re American it can result in some awkwardness.
For instance, I have a lot of professional students that want to learn business English, so they practice the mannerisms as well. This means that the men go for the firm handshake, which has been drilled into me as the trademark of any respectable gentleman. So when they go for the handshake and I lean in for the kiss, I feel like an idiot. It’s like trying to teach your parents how to give “dap.” Both parties feel stupid.
Also, you can’t lean in on the wrong side. Heaven help you if you lean to your right, because that just isn’t done here. I’ve had some looks of horror akin to me being a leper when I’ve made that particular gaffe. Always lean in to the left, no exceptions. I use a little phrase to remind myself: “Go left if you’re not a leper.”
Ah, the social shenanigans one gets into when learning a new culture.
