LearnItalianPod

Dan Says:

I no doubt should have this figured out by now, but could you explain exactly why the verb was conjugated in the lesson and in test question 4 as “loro sono rimasti”, but the correct answer is “sono rimaste”? I’m guessing it’s because it was proceeded by “quante persone” (fem)? If so, then if the “io” or “tu” referred to Jane it would be “io sono rimasta” or “tu sei rimasta” just as it is “lei e’ rimasta”??? And is this true with every verb conjugated in the past tense with essere? Is it ever true with avere?

Sarah Sinclair Says:

Could you tell me what the Italian tradition is with regard to kissing–do you kiss on one cheek or both? I understanding shaking hands is more a thing that Americans do. Thanks.

Karen Says:

But which cheek do you start with? How do you make sure you don’t crash noses by both heading for the same side?

Craig Mansfield Says:

 Hi.
I’m friends with some Italian girls, I’m English.

I battle with my shyness: when I’m brave I kiss them “hello”, but as I see them in a restaurant and leave within an hour (sometimes) I feel, “I’ve just kissed them, I can’t kiss them again”- so I tend to wave and run away.
I worry about offending them, should I be very brave and kiss them goodbye too?
Will they appreciate it, or will it mean nothing to them one way or the other?

I’ve known one for years and the other for weeks.
:)
Thank you!
Craig

Erica Says:

 Hi Craig, I’m an Italian girl and what I can tell you is that in Italy it is very common to kiss someone “hello” (even three kisses are common, not only two!) and “goodbye” after just one hour. I guess it dipends on how often you see that person: if you know you’ll see her the day after, then you can just wave and turn away, while if you know you won’t see her for a week, then people tend also to kiss “goodbye”. =)