Quelle côté ? ~ Which Side?

I've never found any rhyme or reason as to which side to start on. Some say that it depends on the region of France, but in my experience, it's not that consistent - it seems more a matter of personal preference.

I'm not sure why, but I always turn my head to the right so that the first bise will be on our left cheeks. Fortunately, the French are sensitive to these movements, so even if the other person had intended to start with the right cheeks, he or she quickly adjusts.

Whichever side you choose, it's important to turn your head with conviction. During one of my very first bises, I was apparently a bit vague, because my friend realized he needed to turn his head the other way too late and we ended up smacking our cheeks together. Quelle désastre ! (or should I say bisastre? :-)

Another possibility is to wait and see which way the other person's head is going before turning your own and leaning in.

Poll: Which cheek do you kiss first?


Faire la bise

1. Qui fait la bise ?
2. Comment faire la bise ?
3. Quelle côté ?
4. Combien de bises ?
5. Les bro-bises (Manly kisses)

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