The good cheek-kissing guide

Follow these five steps to perfect greeting etiquette.

n Be decisive. Most mishaps happen because both parties are unclear whether to kiss one cheek, two, or neither. If uncertainty is likely, take charge of the situation. Pull back decisively after the first cheek kiss, or make it clear a second is expected by moving confidently forward.

n Light shoulder contact of your colleague using both hands is preferable, and helps prevent the kiss from landing wide of target.

n Aim for a balance of warmth and professionalism. Merely touching cheeks – or worse, air kissing – can feel false. Obviously a full-on cheek smacker is too much, but a light contact of cheek to the corner of your mouth is the accepted etiquette.

n It’s acceptable to put out a steady palm for a handshake to pre-empt a kiss you feel uncomfortable with, but don’t be the only colleague in a group not opting for the cheek kiss.

n Cheek-kissing traditions can vary. One, two, or (horror of horrors!) even three kisses are common in parts of Southern Europe, so be prepared.