So there’s this thing called cheek kissing here in Germany/most of Europe (and from my latest news resource, even Brazil) that is practiced when you greet a friend or even an acquaintance. Cheek kissing is equivalent to a hug in the United States and is something that I’m learning that I DO NOT like. Basically, you touch one side of your cheek against the other person’s side of their check and make a “MMMUUUK!” kissing noise and then move to the other side of the cheek, tap that cheek and make the same obnoxious sound again. I absolutely hate it because I find it invasive and uncomfortable. After all, a hug is just so much more warm, comforting and who doesn’t like to be bear hugged?! My cheeks are always cold now that it’s fall and now do I not only have to share with others how cold my hands are if/when we shake hands, but the chilly cold conditions of my extremeties including my cheeks will also be divulged. I’m definitely not all about this cheek kissing thing and I’ll let you in on a secret– SHHHHHHH sometimes I avoid social situations with Europeans or people who’ve lived in Europe for too long just to avoid making this awkward greeting.  I’m just not all about it an am awkwardddddd. I will try this for a little longer to see if this starts to grow on me, but honestly, no thank you to MUAH MUAH greetings for awhile.