Watch CBS News

Katie Couric's Notebook: Kisses

It's a tradition as French as Pepe Le Pew - but lately, it's becoming passé.

Amid fears of H1N1, many Europeans are reportedly substituting a peck on both cheeks with a smile and a wave.

Back here in the states, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has even encouraged an elbow bump instead of a hand shake to avoid spreading germs.

I doubt a hand shake will be easily replaced, especially in professional settings, but no love will be lost for me if the kiss gets the kiss off.

I'm not saying I'm a touch me not - but these days people get too familiar too quickly, and pretty soon they're all up in your grill, as they say.

I found an appropriate quote online, "a kiss breaches the distance between friendship and love."

Let's reserve kisses for family, significant others, really good friends and those little chocolate candies.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue