Whether to faire la bise depends on how close the two people are, their gender, and to some extent their age.
Two women who tutoient each other will always exchange bises, as will many who vouvoient - using vous doesn't necessarily indicate a distant relationship (see lesson on tu vs vous). When in doubt, let la Française decide.
One woman and one man who tutoient will usually faire la bise. If for some reason the woman is uncomfortable and chooses not to, she can make this clear by holding out her hand to be shaken instead (and by using vous, though again they may vouvoient each other but still kiss).
Between men, la bise is far less common. Family and very close friends do it, as do most teenagers (see bro-bises). Adult acquaintances, new friends, tennis partners... probably not, even if they tutoient. As always, if you're not sure, wait to see what the Frenchman does.
No matter the reason, whenever two people don't faire la bise as a greeting, they shake hands.
Register - informal
*Even while working. I can't count how many times my transaction with an employee at a bank, post office, or grocery store has been interrupted by bises and a short conversation from a colleague arriving or leaving.
**On some occasions, you might exchange bises with the same person three times: when you arrive, when thanking him/her for a gift or congratulating an achievement, and when leaving.
Faire la bise
- Qui fait la bise ?
- Comment faire la bise ?
- Quelle côté ?
- Combien de bises ?
- Les bro-bises (Manly kisses)
