Kissing and dating go together like mac and cheese. When you meet someone you like, assuming that everything goes well and the relationship progresses, you’re going to want to kiss them. At least, that’s the hope, right?
Kissing someone for the first time, whether it’s your first kiss ever or just your first kiss with a certain person, can be nerve wracking. We could give you a step by step of how to pucker your lips just so or how long to maintain eye contact before going in for the kill, but the truth is that a lot of kissing comes down to preference and practice. Instead, here are 3 general rules to keep in mind when kissing someone:
1. Timing Is Everything
Your first kiss is exciting! By all means, look forward to it! But don’t rush things. There is no timeline or rule book that says you have to have your first kiss by a certain age or that you have to kiss someone after a certain number of dates. Do what feels right for YOU.
2. Be Respectful
Remember that kissing involves two people. Your wants and desires are not the only things at play here. Keep in mind that even if the date is going extremely well or you are progressing in your relationship, the other person can say no at any point. (And so can you!) Be respectful and only move at a pace that is comfortable for both of you.
3. Trust Yourself
Kissing is natural! Your brain might be freaking out trying to figure out what you’re supposed to do, but your instincts will kick in. That being said, don’t expect your first kiss ever to be like something out of the movies. It’s probably going to be awkward or feel a little bit weird, and that’s okay! Like most things, kissing will get better with time.
Remember that kissing is not the only way to show affection! You may date someone who LOVES kissing and another person who’s just not as into it. Cuddling, holding hands, giving compliments, surprise gifts, and acts of service are all great non-kissing ways to show someone you care.
So take your time, don’t rush things, figure out what you like, be respectful of what your partner wants, and trust that, with time, you’ll get it all figured out. You’ll be a pro in no time!
Kaleigh Adamson
Kaleigh is a Marketing Coordinator for Mutual, where she leads all copywriting, blog management, and brand ambassador programs. She has worked with couples, relationships, dating, and love in a creative role for over ten years. She's a hopeless romantic who loves that her career allows her to help people find their soulmates. She downloaded Mutual when it first launched in 2016, coincidentally the same year she met her husband! They now live happily ever after in South Carolina with their two kids and dog.
🙄 I thought you were going to teach me practical ways to do it right. Huh
This is great, but it’s really a crash course in consent.