How to Practice Kissing

Your first kiss can be amazing or it could be scary if you're not adequately prepared. Everyone kisses differently, just like everyone speaks in their own way. Some people kiss slowly, savoring every touch of the lips. Others prefer to start slowly and gradually build intensity. As you get used to kissing, you'll discover which style suits you best. The lesson here is that while you “can” practice kissing by yourself or with inanimate objects, nothing can replace practicing with a real person (because it’s definitely much more enjoyable). Below are some tips to help you practice kissing.

Gently curve your hand into an 'O' shape. Place your thumb on top of your index finger.

Place your right thumb inside your left hand. When both thumbs bend at the second joint, they will align parallel to each other, resembling a pair of lips.

Gently touch your lips to your thumbs. Practice softly using a faux pair of lips.

Practice with your tongue. Glide your tongue gently around your thumb. Press the tip of your tongue lightly between the two thumbs.

Try a softer, then firmer kiss. Experiment on your own to discover the kissing style that feels best for you.

Pick a soft, ripe fruit such as plum, peach, or mango. These fruits are very soft and delicious.

Take a small bite of the fruit, just the right size for your mouth.

Consider the fruit as your lips for practicing a kiss.

Kiss the fruit gently. Try kissing with a consistent rhythm: kiss the 'upper lip' first, then the lower lip. And remember, don't eat your 'partner'!

Use your tongue to gently press into the fruit. Be mindful not to overuse your tongue.

Find someone who is willing to kiss you. If you want your first kiss to be special, choose someone important to you. If you feel like your kissing skills aren't great, choose someone who makes you feel less embarrassed. (Don't worry, once you get the hang of it, you'll find kissing very enjoyable).

• Nothing compares to kissing a real person, someone who can respond to your kiss, something that a hand or fruit kiss can't offer.
• A kiss between two people is completely natural. That's why we kiss. Practicing before a real kiss is like trying to ride a bike on a seesaw. It can't compare to your own experience. You can only ride well on a real bike, just like you can only kiss well when practicing on a real person.

Ask someone out. If you're a girl, it might be a good idea to get to know a guy first and ask if he'd like a kiss. Alternatively, you could be friends, and if things progress, you could kiss once you’re closer. If you're a guy, it might be a bit more challenging. Find the right opportunity to kiss a girl.

• Kiss someone you're attracted to. It can be hard to know at first, but if you sense the other person likes you, trust that judgment.
• Prepare for the kiss. Get ready for your first kiss by flirting. Lightly touch their shoulder while you talk, offer a compliment, or gaze deeply into their eyes.
• Get closer. It would feel awkward if you tried kissing someone from a meter away. Stand close together, and you can even wrap your arm around their waist if they seem receptive.

Make sure your lips are ready. Keep your lips soft before kissing. Regularly use lip balm to prevent dryness or peeling. Avoid these mistakes:

• Applying gloss before a kiss. Gloss makes your lips sticky, shiny, and sweet. You don’t want sticky lips, nor does the other person need a shiny look, and your lips are sweet enough already!
• Wearing lipstick before kissing. Lipstick can make your lips look more appealing, but it’s better suited for older women. It might smudge and leave marks on your partner's lips.

Keep your breath fresh. Ideally, brush your teeth before kissing. If that’s not possible, have a mint or gum. Avoid eating strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic before a kiss.

Move closer to your partner. Approach them closely to signal that you're ready. If they pull back, it means they're not yet ready for a kiss. However, if they stay still or even get closer to you, you're definitely on the right track.

Stare into their eyes until the kiss. This is extremely important. Use your gaze to lock their focus. The eyes have an extraordinary power; they can communicate messages words cannot.

• As you lean in closer, focus on their lips. If you want to kiss someone on the lips, it’s obviously essential to focus on them. You don’t want to end up kissing the wrong spot.
• Once your lips meet, close your eyes. We don't know why, but the feeling of being stared at while kissing can be unsettling. It’s best for both of you to close your eyes.

Tilt your head when kissing. If you don’t tilt your head, your noses will bump, and it’ll be hard to kiss properly. Instead, slightly tilt your head either to the left or right so your noses won’t interfere with your lips.

• If you’re sitting next to each other, your position will determine which way you should tilt your head:
  
  • If you're on the left side of the other person, tilt your head to the left.
  • If you're on the right, tilt your head to the right.

End the first kiss. The first kiss usually lasts only a few seconds, unless the other person responds by kissing you more passionately. After the first kiss, you’ll feel less nervous and ready for the next kisses.

Kiss both the top and bottom lips. Of course, this isn’t always necessary. Start by gently kissing their lower lip a few times, then move to kiss their upper lip.

• Be gentle. Your partner will likely appreciate this, even if your heart is racing. Additionally, this will make the kiss more sensual.
• Be responsive. Respond to what the other person is doing. A kiss is like a dance, and you need to follow your partner’s movements.
• Take your time instead of rushing. Someone who kisses poorly is often too hasty, kissing quickly and endlessly. Take it slow, savor each kiss, and remember to close your eyes.

Be cautious with French kissing. Unfortunately, it’s usually the girls who decide when this is appropriate. Unless you’re a girl and take the initiative to French kiss, it’s better to save this for another time. If you're a guy and you go for the French kiss on the first try, you might ruin the mood for both of you.

• When practicing kissing on your hand, try smelling your hand afterward. If there's an unpleasant odor, you should pay more attention to your breath. Try brushing your teeth more often, using mint candies, flossing, and drinking plenty of water.
• A real kiss will be quite different, but the basic lip movements will be similar to practicing with your hand and fruits.
• The key is to start slowly and gently, then gradually increase the intensity.
• Find a private place to practice.
• Avoid bumping teeth while kissing. You won't notice it since fruits can’t speak.
• Mimic your partner’s actions, but if you get bored, try something new and exciting.