What about businesswomen who kiss us? You think we like it?

Dear Aunty B,

I have noted the debate about kissing and handshakes that have been going on in your column, which is all very appropriate since it is not even Christmas and everyone is at it.

I also noted that one poor bloke professes to be uncomfortable when a woman kisses him in a business situation. I would like to add my voice to his calls. The other day a large perfumey woman that I had just met insisted on giving me the French kiss.

After one kiss I drew away thinking it was over so she grabbed me and went in again! I felt quite uncomfortable.

What should we do in this situation? It would be very rude to push her away.

Don’t kiss me,
Vic

Dear Don’t kiss me,

Look, what else can you do? If you veer back in horror as the lips pucker and she leans in, you look ridiculous.

The rule is simple: in a business situation women can kiss men but men can’t kiss women. Sexist? Too bad.

Of course, in a perfect business world no one would kiss anyone – or depending on your point of view we might all kiss perfect strangers whenever we feel like it.

But the bottom line here is not to make a big fuss about it.

Of course, the way to avoid all this is to learn to shake a woman’s hand properly. In fact, she is probably kissing you because she cannot bear to do “the tea bag” one more time.

Here is what you must to do avoid the kiss. On approaching a businesswoman, thrust out your arm, grab her hand, look in her eye and pump. She will be so struck with the fact that a) You can shake her hand properly and b) You are looking at her in a business-like manner, that she will forget about kissing you and become an ardent hand shaker.

Now how is your P&L looking??

Good luck,
Your Aunty B

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