Greeting Etiquette
Up until puberty, boys anticipate receiving kisses from both genders, but close male relatives and old friends will continue to give each other strong kisses on the grizzled cheeks until death. A habit of saying please, thank you, and goodbye with the necessary amount of detail is ingrained in children as early as infancy, and a rebellious youngster will be dragged kicking and screaming to older relatives to offer the required thank-you kisses.
Gift-giving among Belgians is extravagantly generous. They are likely to bring fine chocolates, wine, fresh flowers, and a present for the kids, whether they stay or just join us for dinner. Birthdays are always remembered, and Christmas is a season of incredible generosity when nobody is left out.
The most tenuous excuse is used to exhibit flowers. Every neighborhood will have a number of florists that sell an astounding variety of very fresh flowers. Florists are esteemed members of society.
The Belgians are not in the least bit offended if you do not reply in kind—doing so may be disastrous. Giving brings actual joy, which, once accomplished, is forgotten. No secret profit and loss account exists. However, your continued lack of willingness will eventually be seen and work against you. It appears that the Dutch have accomplished this as a whole. The Dutch are frequently criticized by Belgians for their lack of gift-giving.
