How to Kiss ... For Dum-Dums

Kissing is as individualistic as a handshake, only considerably more enjoyable if done well. These steps are not about how to step into a kiss, but rather how to kiss and get the most out of the experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Two reasonably moist lips (don't forget your lip balm if it's sunny or windy!).

1. Stay in The Moment:
   Enjoy the time you are spending with that special someone. Take notice of their eyes, their clothing, their hair, the things that you find attractive about them. Staying in the moment and enjoying that person's company will help you with the next step.
2. Don't Worry Excessively About the Kiss:
   The top detractor from the kiss is being overly-consumed with how it will turn out. This could lead to sweating, dry mouth, chapped lips from excessive lip licking, ticks etc. And if you do worry a bit and one of these things happens to occur, see the next step.
3. Relax:
   Realize that the feeling you may be feeling is actually excitement. Excitement and worry often yield the same symptoms.
   Take a deep breath, get a glass of water and/or get out your chapstick.
   If you've lost all your cool factor (i.e. feel a facial tick coming on -- excuse yourself and take a quick, brisk walk to the rest room, or some other nearby destination, and try to work off the nervous energy).
4. Start Small Using Your Lips:
   Try not to start like a lizard with your tongue darting out, unless you want to scare off your date. Instead, think of the first meeting of your lips as an intro. A small, soft intro kiss will give you a sense of the other person's willingness to continue as well as a sense of their kissing style.
5. Introduce Your Tongue:
   There's a difference between gently sliding your tongue into the other person's mouth and trying to touch their tonsils. Try doing the former. You can always strive for each other's tonsils later on. Some people like to be the tonguer (inserter), others like to be the tonguee (receiver). Most take turns, or simultaneously become tonguers.
6. Experiment:
   Be open to your partner's style and don't be afraid to try something different. I would recommend avoiding the following: biting, knocking teeth, and sucking excessively hard on the person's tongue, unless you get a particular request to do so.
7. Choose the Right Spot for A Kiss:
   If this is the first time you are kissing someone, try not to pick a public spot. The person may pull away -- and not because they don't want to kiss you, but because they may be shy about kissing in public.
8. Be As Tender As You Feel:
   Looking into a person's eyes before, during, and/or after a kiss can be wonderful so long as it's not one continuous stare (that could be bit scary). However, touching a person's cheek, holding someone's face in your hands, or brushing your cheek or nose against their cheek or nose, gets kudos in most circles.
9. Accept the Experience:
   If your kiss turns out great, that's wonderful. If not, accept it as an experience to look back on and grow from. Our best memories are those that are firsts, unique, different, and/or funny. Good luck!