Immigrating to the UK and learning British etiquette: The gentleness and refinement of the British go without saying, but their greetings are diverse and each has its own nuances. There are subtle details involved, particularly regarding how the closeness of interpersonal relationships plays a significant role.
Hugging and Air Kissing
This is the most common form of greeting, suitable for peers meeting for the first time, whether they are acquaintances or strangers, though there are subtle differences. For peers or casual acquaintances meeting for the first time, it generally involves a light embrace, followed by a gentle touch of the cheeks. Sometimes it is just one cheek, and other times it may be both; this is quite flexible. It is important to note that while this is called an "air kiss," it does not mean you should actually use your mouth to kiss the other person's face. Do not be foolish enough to do so, as it would be considered intrusive and might startle the British. Generally, in Latin cultures such as France, Italy, or Spain, it is acceptable to kiss the cheeks of people you do not know well, but in the UK, overly intimate physical contact between people who are not close is considered taboo. Another key point is that whether hugging or touching cheeks, it must be light! Keep it as elegant and refined as possible.
What about close friends? The same hugging and air-kissing etiquette can be used, but the difference is that it can be slightly more firm. For men, it usually involves a firm shoulder-to-shoulder bump or a hearty pat on the back, while the cheek-kissing part usually just involves bringing the faces close together without actually touching. Between men and women, the man will usually give the woman a light hug and a gentle cheek touch. This etiquette is also appropriate when saying goodbye.
Handshaking
This is generally applicable among elders. For example, it is used when visiting a host's home or between service staff and guests in hotels and restaurants. Avoid shaking hands across a threshold, and never engage in a four-person cross-handshake. It is customary not to shake hands with a lady you are meeting for the first time; a slight bow is sufficient. The firmer the handshake with a man, the deeper the friendship; handshakes with women should be lighter.
Nodding
Nodding is slightly more formal and is generally used among the aristocracy, socialites, and the military. This is a gesture between equals or peers; if wearing a hat, it should be removed. If you encounter a superior or an elder on the street, you must stand at attention and bow. However, a superior responding to a subordinate or an elder responding to a younger person may simply nod while walking, or raise their right hand or touch the brim of their hat in acknowledgment.
Hand-Kissing
This is strictly an upper-class etiquette, the kind often seen in movies. When a man meets an aristocratic lady or a noblewoman, if the lady extends her hand downward, he should gently lift her fingertips and lightly kiss them. When performing the hand-kissing ritual, if the lady is of higher status, the man should kneel on one knee before taking her hand to perform the kiss.
Kissing
This is the most intimate form of etiquette. It is a gesture of affection and endearment between superiors and subordinates, elders and juniors, friends, and spouses. Except for spouses or romantic partners who may kiss directly, in all other cases, it is a cheek kiss. This gesture is generally performed during moments of great joy or sorrow to express affection or offer comfort.
Bowing
This is an etiquette used on very formal occasions. It is generally a gesture from a subordinate to a superior or between equals. When performing the bow, one must remove their hat, holding the front brim with the right hand (or left hand if the right is occupied). After lowering the right hand, stand straight, look at the person being greeted, and bow—the bow does not need to be deep, usually just an inclination of the upper body by about fifteen degrees, before returning to the original position. The hand used to remove the hat should be opposite to the direction of the bow; that is, when bowing to someone on the left, use the right hand to remove the hat, and vice versa.
Saluting
This is a gesture between military personnel. When saluting, raise the right hand with fingers straight and together, touching the right side of the hat brim with the fingertips. The palm should face slightly outward, with the upper arm level with the shoulder. Keep your eyes on the other person and only lower your hand after they have returned the salute. This should be performed every time you meet a superior or an elder.
