1. La Bise: A Typically French Ritual

For those who aren’t familiar with la bise, it’s an extremely common gesture in France. In some regions, it’s not unusual to greet almost everyone with la bise—friends, colleagues, acquaintances, family… even people you meet for the first time! It’s almost instinctive. You arrive somewhere, say “bonjour,” and voilà—a quick kiss on the cheeks.

What’s amusing is that the number of kisses varies by region. In Paris, it’s often two kisses, while in Provence, it might be three or four. Some regions, like Brittany or the North of France, also have their own variations. It’s a ritual that can even be a source of confusion for foreigners or people traveling to different parts of France.

For us, it’s something natural, but for foreigners, it’s often a bit unsettling. This gesture involves immediate proximity, a physical contact that, in some countries, might be perceived as intrusive. Yet, in France, it’s almost a must.

But this ritual, as deeply rooted as it is, has evolved significantly with the pandemic. It’s a subject worth delving into, especially now that things are gradually returning to normal.

 

2. How COVID Changed Our Habits

With the pandemic, social distancing rules disrupted many of our habits, including la bise. Overnight, la bise was banned. No more cheek kisses, no more hugs. Instead, we saw new ways of greeting emerge: the famous elbow bump, fist bump, or simply a little wave accompanied by a smile.

These new forms of greetings were adopted by most French people quite naturally. At first, it felt a bit strange, but we got used to it. After all, it was for our health and the health of others.

Interestingly, with the reopening of public spaces and the lifting of restrictions, many people didn’t rush to resume la bise. In fact, according to several surveys, a significant portion of the French population isn’t in a hurry to return to this old habit. Some even find these new ways of greeting less intrusive, more respectful of personal space, and above all… less risky for health!

 

3. The French and La Bise Post-COVID

So, will la bise really disappear? Well, it’s hard to say. What’s certain is that the pandemic has led many French people to question this custom. Before COVID, it was something we didn’t even think about: la bise was part of daily life, like saying “bonjour” or “merci.”

But now, after months of social distancing, we’re realizing that la bise might not be as indispensable as we once thought. For many, the pandemic was an opportunity to discover other ways of greeting, and these new methods are often considered more practical and less restrictive.

I think we’re in a transition phase. Some people have already resumed la bise, especially in family or close friend contexts. But for others, it remains a gesture they avoid—either for safety reasons or simply because they’ve grown accustomed to this new social distance.

 

4. La Bise and Me: A Personal Relief

Now, let me make a little confession. I’m genuinely glad that la bise has become less common since COVID. I have to admit, I’ve never been a fan of this ritual. For me, la bise has always felt a bit too intrusive, especially with people I don’t know very well.

I remember moments in large family or professional gatherings where I had to go around giving la bise to 20 people in a row. It had become almost automatic but honestly not very enjoyable. There’s something a bit forced about this gesture, which didn’t always suit me. The immediate physical contact, sometimes with people you barely know, always felt a bit overwhelming to me.

So when the pandemic arrived and social distancing measures imposed a certain separation, I admit it was a bit of a relief for me. No more forced kisses, no more wondering if you should or shouldn’t do la bise with someone you’re meeting for the first time. Personally, I find it much more pleasant to simply greet with a smile or a wave, especially when you’re not in the mood for physical contact.

 

5. Will La Bise Survive?

In conclusion, I don’t think la bise will completely disappear, but it’s likely to become less common. This gesture, so emblematic of French culture, is undergoing a transformation. Perhaps it will be reserved for more intimate moments, closer relationships, while distant greetings continue in professional or unfamiliar settings.

Social distancing has left a lasting impact on how we live and interact. Many French people have realized that la bise isn’t as harmless as it might seem. Between the risk of transmitting illnesses and the need to respect others’ personal space, it’s possible this custom will become far less widespread.

As for me, I’m inclined to think that la bise might just stay in the past. As I mentioned, I’ve never been a big fan of this gesture, and I think it’s a good thing we’ve found other ways to greet. I much prefer distant greetings with a smile or a wave. It allows for a sense of politeness and warmth while maintaining some personal space.

Of course, I’m not saying la bise will completely disappear. There will always be moments when this gesture is appropriate, especially in very personal contexts, like with family or close friends. But I think the pandemic has opened the door to other forms of greetings, and many people, like me, are embracing it.

So, did COVID kill the French bise? Maybe not entirely, but it certainly put it to the test. Personally, I’m happy not to have to do it systematically anymore, and I think many others feel the same. La bise might become a rarer gesture, reserved for special moments. In any case, we’ll see what the future holds!