Kissing is an enjoyable time – or at least it should be. However, most people have had the experience of a terrible kisser, and that can be one of the most awkward moments in life. That isn’t to say that some good can come out of such a situation, but chances are that a kiss won’t improve dramatically between the start and finish. Here are some basic tips to improve the quality of any kiss.
Before a Kiss
Before kissing anyone, it is important to check some of the fundamentals. The mouth and the entire area around the lips should be clean, well kept, and fresh. Mouthwash is good, though be sure to use it well beforehand, as a fresh coating of mouthwash can be as overpowering as bad breath. However, more important is general good dental hygiene.
Soft, moist lips are another crucial element to a good impression with a kissing partner. Burt's Bees is an excellent balm, both for men and women. This advice is crucial for men as well; some women may like a strong man, but no one likes kissing someone with chapped lips. Keeping lips moisturized also will keep lips from drying out so quickly while kissing – extending the length that fun times can be had.
Finally, being comfortable is one of the most important things to a great kiss. How a kisser is sitting, posture, and body language are all crucial elements to creating the environment desired for a good kiss. Open posture, sitting or standing comfortably, adjusting for height differences, and sitting close together are all basic things that can be handled with a quick glance.
What to Do While Kissing
When the magic finally happens, the biggest problem most people make is that they are either too forceful or too passive. No one likes a kiss so forceful teeth hurt and the tongue is somewhere in the throat, but neither is a kiss just touching lips. A gentle amount of pressure, enough to feel it but not so much that there is any discomfort, is all that is required.
The tongue is another issue that requires moderation. If it is to be used at all, it should be with a light touch. Gentle exploration is fun; a cleaning with someone else's tongue is not. If in serious doubt, the best option is to simply hold off on the tongue. Especially with a first kiss, testing out the waters is a much smarter option.
Finally, the rest of the body should have some sort of involvement in the activity. This does not mean going straight for a feel of some of the more evocative areas. Hands gently on either side of the face, or an arm around the neck, and sitting close enough for intimacy without feeling claustrophobic is a bonus.
These are the simple tools to being a good kisser. Starting from here, the most important element is to practice. Make sure that whoever a potential partner is is interested in kissing too. Don't misread signs of interest and disinterest. When in doubt, play it cool, and see if a hint can be coaxed out. Have fun practicing!
Sources:
Emandlo.com. A Refresher Course for Your New Year's Kiss (accessed January 9, 2010).
Kissingbooth.com. How to Kiss (accessed January 9, 2010).
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