[Sparkle]

<----- wanton family & friend lip-kisser

My mother's side of the family (that I grew up with) were/are very affectionate - free and easy with the kisses on the lips, cheeks, foreheads, hands, eskimo kisses, hugs, arms draped over shoulders, hand holding and lots of other small gestures of affection.

But despite that there is a wide range of preference when it comes to demonstrating affection. My sister and I greet with lip kisses, I hug her husband, my brother and I greet/part with a brief hug and a quiet "love you"; my mother and I cheek kiss/hug combo, her husband and I don't kiss or hug because it makes him uncomfortable. I'm okay with each variation because each is genuine and natural to that relationship.

The children in my life are all very affectionate and get hugs and kisses from me (without reservation).

I don't kiss all of my friends on the lips, but I do with many of those who are closest to me. The way in which I greet or demonstrate affection to a friend or family member is specific to the individual. I have many friends who are very affectionate, and I have friends who prefer no physical touch at all. And plenty who fall in between.

Just like types of love (and loving relationships) are different, types of kisses are different.