Pucker Up, Buttercup
It’s a thought we’ve all had before: are we actually a good kisser? They seem easy enough on the surface, but between too much teeth and inappropriate hand movements, a simple kiss can go downhill pretty quickly. Then again, you don’t want to focus too much on the rules lest your mind wander. So, how do you nail the gesture? Don’t worry, we’re here to break down a few things you should and shouldn’t do!
1. Have Bad Breath
Some kisses happen spontaneously, so there’s no real way to prepare. However, if you’re on a first date or anticipate things moving forward, try to keep some mints on you. You can always sneak them in during the date, and if you don’t have them, you can at least keep smelly foods and drinks to a minimum (onion, garlic, coffee).
2. Aggressive Biting
It’s hard not to get carried away in the heat of the moment. The thing is, pay attention to your partner’s cues. The last thing people want is to jump headfirst into a spicy kiss, and excessive aggression could be more of a turn-off.
3. Too Much Tongue
We know it looks good in the movies, but passion doesn’t have to be sloppy. Again, it’s all about paying attention to your partner and making the move when things feel right. If you’re looking to make the leap, you can always start slow.
4. Getting Handsy
Your hands play a surprisingly important role—just not in the way you think! Stick with a subtle caress or gently cup their face; don’t explore any naughty areas right away. A big part of kissing is the anticipation, and moving too quickly can actually spoil the sparks.
5. Not Make Any Movement
On the other hand, you don’t want to sit there like a fish out of water. While you want a relaxed mouth, you don’t want an immobile set of lips. Your hands shouldn’t be idle either. Even the smallest movements can have the biggest impact.
6. Forgetting to Breathe
We know it sounds simple, but you’d be surprised just how many people get lost in their partner.
You’ll have plenty of chances to breathe, so make sure you’re comfortable. No one wants to gulp down air in the middle of a kiss.
7. Only Thinking of Yourself
It takes two to tango! Your comfort is just as important as theirs—pay attention to your partner and match their energy. If they seem a bit shy, you can always pull back for a more romantic gesture that reassures them. If they’re really into it, you can always kick things up a notch.
8. Opening Your Eyes
Believe it or not, a little eye contact is actually a cute way to build intimacy. However, it’s all about timing. Eyes closed in the middle of a kiss, people!
9. Forget Sloppy Kisses
Sloppy smooches aren’t as spicy as they seem. If anything, they’re more of a turn-off. Gauge your partner’s reaction and take things from there; heading in full force won’t go well for either of you.
10. Get Out of Your Head
You can read all the advice. You can practice on your hand. But at the end of the day, try to keep out of your head! Though you want a few pointers in the back of your mind, they shouldn’t dominate the moment; letting the so-called rulebook control your kiss is a good way to ruin it.
So, what are a few tips for great kisses? Don’t worry—we have a couple ideas to easily impress any partner!
1. Let Anticipation Build
You know what the best movie smooches are? The ones that show up halfway through. It’s all about the build-up! Of course, you don’t want to wait too long, but a little teasing makes kisses that much sweeter.
2. Remember Your Hands
There’s nothing better than a hand in someone’s hair or on their cheek. If things get spicier, you can always gently place a hand on someone’s thigh, too. Kissing is a dance, and you need to follow your partner.
3. Subtle Noises
Okay, we’re not saying you should sound like a car engine—but subtle noises go a long way. They can be a great way to show your partner exactly what they do to you, and that knowledge can amp up their energy as well.
4. Romantic Gestures
Sometimes, the best kisses are the more romantic ones. Press your forehead against theirs. Gently cup their cheek. Smooth hair out of their face. Those little moments are more vulnerable, and there’s nothing better than knowing you’re safe with someone.
5. Remain Present
Try not to let your mind wander! As we mentioned, it’s a good idea to keep some tips in the back of your mind, but they shouldn’t run the show. A good kiss is all about what’s in the moment, and even little hiccups like bumped heads can be cute between the right people.
6. Let it Build Naturally
Don’t force anything. Like any romantic gesture, it’s about consent and following the natural flow. If your partner seems more hesitant, check in with them instead of pressing forward. On the other hand, if they’re really into it, you can always follow their lead.
7. Explore Other Areas
Once you build that heat, it’s time to explore other areas. People have all sorts of erogenous zones, and you don’t need to stick with their lips. You can always venture to a cheek, an earlobe, or their neck.
8. Pay Attention to Cues
Misreading social cues can destroy a kiss. It’s not always easy to tell what someone’s thinking, but this is why it’s crucial to take things slow at first. When you just dive into it, some people may feel pressured to follow suit, and the last thing you want to do is make someone uncomfortable.
9. Gently Include Your Teeth
We said no aggressive biting—we didn’t say to forget about your teeth entirely! A gentle introduction can really amp up the energy. It’s also a good way to kick things up a notch, but slowly, which lets you get a feel for their interest.
10. Sneak in Eye Contact
We’re not saying to leave your eyes open the whole time. However, when you take inevitable breaks, that’s when you can make eye contact. Pressing your forehead to theirs and maintaining that closeness only revs up the intimacy.
