Advice wanted: meeting Polish girl for the first time

I'm soon going to be fortunate enough to meet in person for the first time a Polish girl that I've recently been getting to know online, and would appreciate advice on the correct etiquette for our first meeting.

Should I shake hands with her, kiss her hand, kiss her on one or both cheeks or kiss her on the lips?

I don't want to come across as too formal or reserved, or too presumptuous or familiar, so your advice would be appreciated :-).

I think a quick embrace would be good when you meet her, especially since you know her and she's not a stranger.

follow her lead, no?

no. a man should take control. just my opinion.

geez, where were you brought up?

I agree with this. May be old-fashioned but some girls like a guy to be in control IMO

Mexico. I'm just kidding. It's so frustrating when a man has feelings that he holds back out of uncertainty. He should be truthful and not be afraid to express himself. It won't hurt. It will only help him.

dont mistake good manners for uncertainty

First check If she is not a guy.

are you speaking from experience? :)

No...

I was just kidding.


sometimes women do mistake good manners for uncertainty, especially when you're looking forward to meeting that person. if you hold back, it can seem like a lack of interest.

Is it a blind date? If it is, she would certainly not want to be hugged and kissed.
A hand shake will do.
You can hug and kiss when you part, that is, if you actually liked each other.

I agree with shewolf. I have shared stuff with my almost girlfriend that might have ended other relations. The only thing it did was bring us closer. I have shared my feelings and weakness with her. The only thing it did was make her trust me more because I was honest. I feel she is a rare women though.

Maybe there are some polish girls that like kissing hand but generally it's old-fashioned. You can shake hands with her. Usually you kiss someone on cheek whom you already know well but it wouldn't be tactless if you do so. Kissing on the lips at first meeting? - No.

Interesting thread - mind if I crash in with another question... In London, I kiss all everyone that I know socially - a peck on both cheeks at the start of a night and then again as I'm leaving.

Would this behaviour be out of place in Poland?

No, except it is three times here, twice on one cheek and once on the other (careful not to head butt). But only with people you know.

Hmm... last time that I did this in Poland, it was with somebody who was a friend of a friend that I'd been out for a quick drink with. Would this have seen a bit too forward / giving the wrong impression etc?

I agree with shewolf , a quick embrace would be great .
I think the man should take the lead . Surely shaking hands is too formal and inappropraiate for this type of meeting . It breaks the ice immediately and feels a natural way to react and greet for them .

:)