a kiss is still a kiss...

Louis Armstrong sang a wonderful song called As Time Goes By (A Kiss is Still a Kiss) -

You must remember this
A kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by ...

Most friends kiss with a peck on the cheek, particularly between women and their male or female friends, and indeed between men in France, Italy and Eastern Europe.

A kiss is not just a kiss in some cultures. In fact, it is considered seriously offensive and even illegal.

First it was Richard Gere and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty who caused a reaction in India.


and now Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his former school teacher (and that was on her hand!)

Respecting local or one's own culture and customs is one thing, but cultural practices do change with time. Sometimes, it is worth questioning why certain customs are offensive.

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Thank goodness the weekend is here! What a week at work.