“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Although I can't speak about South America, in Spain, it is very common to kiss people when you meet them. This is a kiss on both cheeks. Men shake hands. People don't always kiss each other, for example in a business context. As a restrained Englishman I don't really understand when you should kiss someone and I only kiss people when they go to kiss me, I hope nobody thinks I'm unfriendly.

Here’s the common count for a sampling in other countries:

• One Kiss: Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, the Philippines
• Three Kisses: Belgium, Slovenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Egypt, and Russia (where it’s accompanied by a bear hug)
• Two Kisses: Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia, Brazil (though, like France, the number can differ by region), and some Middle Eastern countries (though not between opposite sexes).

However, Coronavirus is changing social interaction:

Nowadays, with Covid-19 we must limit close contact with others, especially if they are showing flu-like symtoms, so the everyday greetings have changed and the new coronavirus etiquette is coming: Elbow-bumps and footshakes.

The Virus means handshakes, cheek-kisses, and hugs may not be as welcomed as they used to be.