Here in Mexico it is customary when people greet that they kiss on one cheek. (French foreigners share a kiss on each cheek.) So, we are kissed multiple times daily by numerous friends. Thus, when I recently attended a Stake Meeting there were numerous friends around and there was tons of kissing going on... so, when the Stake President came up to greet me he shook my hand and I gave him a kiss on the cheek. He froze for a second and I said, "Este es apropiado?" (Is this appropriate?) To which he replied, "Ummmm, normalmente, no." (Normally, No.) So, the next time I saw him I stood three feet away and stretched my hand out across the divide - which made President Garcia just laugh out loud! (Lucky for me he has a great sense of humor.)
So, the tip of the day is don't kiss your ecclesiastical leaders - they are off limits!
3 comments:
This rule must only be for Mexico. In Fiji everyone does including church leaders. However, they don't really kiss, it is more like brushing cheek to cheek and kissing the air.
I enjoy hearing all the things you are learning from experience. They put a smile on my face.
Oops! I'm sure he got a kick out of it but will watch for you coming next time! Just kidding--sounds like he got a chuckle out it!
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