Kissing Tips /

Kissing is a subject with many different varied points of view surrounding etiquette, technique and timing to name but a few. For example, within certain cultures, it is not acceptable to kiss in public. It is something that only happens in the privacy of one’s home away from public view. Here in the UK, it far more socially acceptable to kiss in public although excessive kissing can be considered rude by other people in the vicinity.

To some degree, kissing is considered a sexual act and some societies do not view it as appropriate behaviour in a public place. But there are some places where it is more acceptable, for example in a romantic setting such as a café or restaurant or romantic landmark.

In western culture, kissing is an everyday part of life and not thought seriously about. The problem lies when we begin dating a person as to the correct timing and etiquette surrounding that all important ‘first kiss’. The important factor with kissing is that we do not want the romance to disappear too quickly, so prolonging the act of kissing can also prolong the excitement of a relationship, once that unsettling feeling has passed before the first kiss.

The next big issue is timing. There is no hard and fast rule here. It is widely accepted that on a first date, if all is going well, then a small kiss on the cheek can be offered or accepted. Whether this progresses to a mouth to mouth kiss depends largely on the individuals and the situation. If the same level of interest and enthusiasm continues to the second date and a level of attraction and desire has built then a kiss is considered more than acceptable.

With kissing, it is important to remember that the act doesn’t start and finish with the moment your lips touch but the moments before and after are equally as important. During these moments you will be closer to your partner than previously so key things like eye contact and smiling can go a long way to romanticise the situation.