While it's impossible to pinpoint a single country where kissing is "common," kissing is most prevalent and considered a widespread social custom in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
However, it's important to understand that the type of kissing and its context varies greatly even within these regions. What is considered acceptable or common in one country or culture might be unusual or even offensive in another. Here's a breakdown:
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Europe: Kissing, especially on the cheeks as a greeting, is common in many European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and parts of Eastern Europe. The number of kisses and which cheek to start with varies. Romantic kissing is also a widely accepted display of affection between partners.
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Asia: The prevalence and acceptability of kissing varies significantly. While romantic kissing is becoming more common in some Asian countries, public displays of affection are often less common than in Western cultures. Some cultures have strong taboos against intimate kissing.
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Middle East: Similar to Asia, the acceptance of kissing in the Middle East depends heavily on cultural and religious factors. Public displays of affection, including kissing, can be frowned upon or even illegal in some countries.
It's also crucial to note that even within a single country, differences in social norms exist between different regions, social classes, and age groups.
It's also worth mentioning that in some cultures, such as among the rainforest population in the Amazon basin, passionate kissing is unheard of. Conversely, in North America and Oceania, while familiar with intimate kissing, romantic kissing is also common.
In conclusion, while no single country universally embraces kissing, it is more common and accepted in many countries within Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, although the specific context and type of kissing vary widely.
