A Kiss Is Not Always Just a Kiss

“A Passionate History” (May 8) neglected a very important kind of kiss: the diplomatic kiss.

So often we are given to witness, via television news, heads of state meeting, embracing and exchanging kisses on their cheeks. This is so important a formality in the relations between nations. It is a show of nonbelligerence and friendship.

It was refreshing a while back to see two grown men such as Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin seal their accord with kisses. And who says men kissing men is improper?

KENNETH H. BONNELL

Los Angeles

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“A Passionate History” brought back a 43-year recall of the most memorable kiss of my life. It happened in Honolulu at a large New Year’s Eve party in a friend’s house.

As midnight approached, I happened to be talking to a lovely lady of about 20. I hadn’t even touched her hand, but as the noise of the new year crashed in on us, I bent over and our closed lips touched gently as butterflies for perhaps three seconds. The result was an amazingly exciting, sweet, delicious and unforgettable kiss.

I had never met the lady before, or since and never knew her name. My friend later told me that she told him what a great kiss it was.

I immediately, and guiltily, scouted back to my beautiful wife for a “where-have-you-been” look and a better-late-than-never midnight kiss of our own.

It amazes me that even through a wonderful 48 years marriage, I still remember that kiss so clearly and fondly. Perhaps Hollywood should take note that all kisses need not be passionate (nor French).

PIERRE CHRISTIANS

Laguna Hills