My thoughts exactly. How backwards can one be? Is she a virgin or a 90 year old Dame?

I think the most basic mistake she made is not to have done her homework!

When you go to another country for business it is almost mandatory to look at these small cultural tokens and to be prepared.

The man who gave her la bise (mostly lips won't touch your cheek unless you are really familiar with the other person, so it's just a cheek to cheek contact) might have been very young. In a formal setting and with seasoned people I don't think one would see a bise on the very first introduction. Perhaps after a day of working together and dining together to say good-bye but not as a first contact.

In any case, running out of the room and needing persuasion by a female to come back in is such a ginormous overreaction, I'd question if she has other problems in that regard. IMHO, a normally adjusted adult with at least a half-way comfortable view of sexuality is not going to run away for a little pecker on the cheek.

Now as to cultural differences and when you could protest, I think there might be some things one could politely refuse or protest but I cannot think of an example. Perhaps some of the more experienced people here can come up with something.

I mean if one culture had a greeting of a strong punch in the face on first business contact, I'd be rather surprised, too. Then I'd return the greeting in kind to be well remembered.

OK, I can think of something. A full brotherly kiss on the lips as seen between male Soviet politicians, I'd find that difficult, very difficult. But I would probably not run out of the room.

Till