"It gives the impression, 'I don't really want to make contact with you but I'm going through the motions of looking like I like you'," he says. "Air kissing might have been popular among the yuppies in the eighties but that doesn't necessarily mean it was correct from an etiquette point of view. These things happen – the fist bump was quite popular five years ago amongst teenagers, but that doesn't mean to say that was correct."
Although air kissing is an insincere form of greeting, Mr Hanson says there are occasions where it could be appropriate.
"In usual, non-Ebola climates, air kissing is not particularly acceptable," he says. "Perhaps the only time it would be acceptable is if ladies who are greeting each other are about to go out to an evening event and they've just put on their make up. If one lady doesn't want to get Yves Saint Laurent on Chanel then that perhaps would be the time that they would air kiss, because they don't want the cross-contamination of make up."
Despite being an uncouth manner of greeting, Mr Hanson says that a highly contagious disease is a justifiable reason to air-kiss.
"I can see that, with people's concerns for Ebola, perhaps there's a need – it's much better to be alive and Ebola-free than contaminated," he says.
But even in times of deadly viruses, there are alternatives to air kissing. Mr Hanson suggests a friendly wave for those who prefer no contact, or a touch on the arm for those who are happy with slight physical interactions.
"Ebola is mainly contagious through the eyes and mouth so you'll probably be fine with a handshake," he says. "And if you're that worried, then stay indoors."
Source : http://telegraph.feedsportal.com/c/32726/f/568612/s/3fa3d4b3/sc/8/l/0L0Stelegraph0O0Cnews0Cworldnews0Cebola0C111748170CEbola0Efears0Eon0Ethe0Ecocktail0Eparty0Ecircuit0Ethe0Ereturn0Eof0Eair0Ekissing0Bhtml/story01.htm