The Man Who Kissed My Hand
First, let me state the following: I have never had a man kiss my hand as a gesture of introduction.
That all changed yesterday when I was leaving campus; I was introduced by a colleague to an Irish gent who assists with our university’s travel abroad program in Ireland. He was visiting from across the pond, checking out our campus, and meeting folks. When we were introduced, the gentleman said, “May I?” I put out my hand for a shake, which he turned over to the top side, brought to his lips, and proceeded to kiss.
I smiled.
In this day of “women in the boardroom,” “women in power,” “women running for president,” “women’s movement,” how did this make me feel, you might ask? I fight for the woman just like the next liberator.
Actually, it made me feel very well, indeed, thank you.
It was charming—and as a fiction writer, I’m all about charm. The unexpected. The character who, if only for a moment, does something stunningly surprising.
When I told my husband that a man “kissed my hand today,” he said, and I quote: “What year is this?”
Has he forgotten that I get lost in Jane Austen? That I watch every corny movie and will set my DVR for all the Hallmark flicks about to grace us this holiday season? That there’s not a theatrical romantic comedy I won’t see? That in my own novel, love does, indeed, triumph?
I’m still smiling.
It pleasantly caught me off guard, and I won’t apologize for the brief enjoyment it gave me. I was transported to a time of chivalry and manners, gallantry and courtship. It was old-fashioned. It was unconventional.
For a brief moment, I was Lizzie Bennet.
And I liked it.
8 Comments
Sue Ellen Grove
I would have too! Tell me where I can find this man.
Steph's Scribe/Stephanie Verni
Sue Ellen,
He’s just a short plane ride away…
Jenny
Both my mom and I agreed, we would of enjoyed it too.
Stacey
What a charmer! Loved this post and would love a man to kiss my hand as an affectionate greeting.
Passion
I know the feeling, the guy i like kissed me on my hand, and i couldnt stop smiling, it was magically adorable
Anonymous
I am lucky enough to have a wonderful woman as a friend who is many years younger than I am. She adds so much to my life with her enthusiasm and kindness. I don’t see her very often but when we do we try to do something special such as see an opera or have a special dinner. I will often kiss her hand when we part — it is a very special way to connect.
Steph's Scribe/Stephanie Verni
That is very sweet and sounds lovely.
makeeta
I had a dream last night. Married now 21 years. A man kissed my hand it was so beautiful. I’ve never felt that before, never ever experienced that before. I wish I can go back to that dream and experience that again. I smiled, it was blissful