Do you kiss colleagues as a form of saying hello in professional situations? I have encountered this question more frequently. In certain informal professional situations, such as networking meetings, I have no issue with a small peck on the cheek as a friendly hello. Recently, I have noticed however, that this custom seems to have expanded beyond informal professional settings; such as into the courthouse and the conference room.

I have become unsure as to how to respond to a colleague who is obviously reaching over to peck me on the cheek. In some respects, I feel that it reflects a personal connection I have to many of my professional associates having been practicing with them in the same field for a long period of time. In contrast, however, I wonder if it is an unprofessional way to behave. Are we demeaning ourselves professionally by revealing an informal relationship?

What do you do?