People in Britain think it “safer” to greet colleagues of the opposite sex with a handshake than a kiss, a common greeting in other parts of Europe, a study released on Friday said.

A survey of 1,200 workers by recruitment firm Office Angels said some became so anxious* while deciding whether to kiss or shake hands that one in eight forgot the name of the person they were greeting.

One fifth had a clash* of faces as they tried to kiss. And in the worst condition, a red-faced few chose to kiss while the opposite party attempted to shake hands.

David Clubb, managing director of Office Angels, said: “If you don’t know whether to kiss or shake hands, follow the most senior person in the room.

“My advice would always be, if in any doubt, go for a handshake. A handshake is always considered professional and polite, and is always safe.”

(SD-Agencies)