The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers
when to ‘kiss’ cheeks
norm: when it is like this, it is good to do some things (see more)
In Australia it can be like this:
At some times, I can touch part of someone’s face on one side with the same part of my face. At many times people do something like this when they were not it the same place for some time before (i.e. to say hello).
It can be bad to touch someone’s cheek (=part of their face on one side) with my cheek if it is like this:
I do not know this person very well. This person does not know me very well. I am not with this person at many times. This person does not feel something good towards me.
It can be good to touch someone’s cheek (=part of their face on one side) with my cheek if it is like this:
I know this person very well. This person knows me very well. for some time before now, we were not in the same place. for some time after now, we will be in the same place. I want this person to know I feel something very good towards them.
If I want to touch someone in this way it can be good if I say something like this not with words “I want to touch you (in this way). I want to know if you can feel something good because of this.”
If this person says something like “I feel something bad.” it is very bad if I touch them (in this way).
At many times, women do this with other women. Women do this with men.
"When Sharon's aunt arrives, Sharon 'kisses' her on the cheek to say hello."
"Fran gives Michael a gift, Michael 'kisses' Fran on the cheek to say thank you."
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