I kissed several people this weekend. And it’s something that I never thought I’d get used to.
I come from a culture where I kiss my family on the cheek when I greet them. Just my family, just on the cheek – that’s it.
So it came as a bit of a shock to me when I moved to South Africa and my Congolese co-workers greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. But, it was something I got used to. Before I knew it, I was greeting most of the people I knew in South Africa with a kiss on the cheek.
Then, I moved to Johannesburg, and I started working in Benoni. And around that time people started greeting me with a kiss – smack dab on the lips. I’m all for getting greeted with affection – but you have to understand it’s not what I’m used to. It made me feel awkward and at times it was shocking (especially when it came from married men – in front of their wives).
As I travel, though, and experience different cultures, I’ve learned to adapt and appreciate certain situations. It comes as no shock to me now when I greet those close to me (and even the occasional stranger, at their silent invitation) with a kiss. I gave and received many kisses this weekend as I said some goodbyes – and I know the same will be true for this week. In fact, I’m starting to think how the world would be if everyone could greet people with that kind of affection.
I’m not advocating for you (especially those in my culture) to start greeting everyone with big smackaroos. But, what if we always greeted each other with love, as if we were kissing them? What if we treated everyone as if their existence -their life- mattered? What would happen if we treated everyone as if they were really loveable – loveable enough to kiss? I seriously think it would change the world.
To all of my American friends – don’t be surprised if I greet you with a kiss when I see you in March…but I’ll try to restrain myself.
