It’s the moment you’ve been dreaming about…and dreading. GL's gotcha covered.
Wouldn’t it be swell if someone would give you the lowdown on how to handle your first (and second and third) smooch? No sweat—GL is here to help you through this. There are probably things you already know (a French kiss means tongues are touching.). But we also have lots of answers to smooch stuff you’re unsure about (it’s not weird to keep your eyes open during a kiss). Read on for everything you ever wanted to know about kissing—lips, breath, hands, tongues, teeth and even (ew!) saliva. It’s lip service about lip service. Mwah!
HOW TO KISS
Before the kiss, and immediately after the kiss, is just as much a part of the kiss as your guy’s lips. Here are the basics for a mellow, yummy kiss.
BEFORE THE KISS
Look at him. Eye contact isn’t always easy. You’re nervous, you like him, maybe you’re even a little self-conscious about your lip gloss or your breath. Please, stop thinking for a few long seconds and just look at him, this adorable boy, right in front of you. When you look into a guy’s eyes, you’re giving him the green light that you are into it.
Turn toward him. Whether standing or sitting, you want to angle yourself so that your body is toward him, not just your face. Keep your hands out of your pockets and arms unfolded. Avoid fidgety behavior, like twirling a strand of hair or, way worse, biting your nails. Relaxed, open body language can be a very effective non-verbal invitation for him to lean in and smooch.
Lean into him. Even if it’s super-subtle, try to lean in a little and get as close to him as possible. When kissing you is on a guy’s mind, he’ll appreciate the friendly, geographical adjustment.
THE KISS
Kiss him back. A kiss shouldn’t start with an instant open mouth. First contact is simply touching mouths, then responding slightly. Think of it as a peck, but in super-slow motion.
Chart out the new territory. Kiss the top of his top lip, the edge of his bottom lip, lightly, softly—you’re in no rush.
What to do with your tongue. OK, here’s the part where less is more. He might jab his tongue into your mouth; he might keep it in his. Whatever he does, you can follow his lead (if you want to), but never, ever stick your tongue deeply into his mouth (refer to “Yucky Kisses,” next page). P.S.—Breathe! Through your nose or mouth. Both work.
Touch him with your hands. A girl can’t go wrong by placing one hand gently on the back of his neck, the other hand softly on the side of his face. Sure, there’s a lot to think about, but you can move your hands, too. Touch his hair, his ear, his shoulder…gently. If you’re really comfy with him, you can wrap your arms around his neck and pull yourself closer. Nice.
AFTER THE KISS
The breakaway. If the guy has his tongue in your mouth (and you’re OK with that), you don’t want to just yank away from him. So keep meeting his lips with your lips, then pull away ever so slightly—enough to get his tongue back in its cage—and repeat the gentle kiss of just your lips touching, the slo-mo peck.
Look at him. The post-kiss gaze—sounds cheesy, but that’s what it is—is an affirmation that you did or didn’t like it. However silly it sounds, you can tell him with your eyes how you felt about the kiss…which could get you another one, if you’re into it!
Keep your hands on him. You’ve just bonded with him, so it’s perfectly lovely for you to keep your hand on his shoulder or softly touching his neck. Again, this could get him to lean in for round two.
-Jodi Bryson
BY ANDREA T. ON 7/31/2009 7:00:00 AM 277 COMMENTS