Kissing Dos & Don'ts

"One thing I like to do when my girlfriend and I are kissing is open my eyes for a moment or two. It reminds me that I'm not just imagining what's going on. But girls, don't do it too often, or he'll think your mind isn't focused on him."
—Bruno, 23, Philadelphia

"Yeah, I know, the lips get all the attention, but for me, kissing is all about the hands — and how he uses them. It shows he's thinking about more than the mechanics of the action; he's thinking about me — and wanting me closer. When we're kissing, I'm a sucker for his right hand on the back of my neck, drawing me closer, or his hands laced behind my lower back. His palms pressed against the wall he's backed me up against. You know, the PG-rated romantic-comedy stuff. It may look cheesy, but man, it works."
—Sarah, 31, Toledo, Ohio

"I'm a fan of good conversation and making out — but not at the same time. Kissing should be effortless and continuous, so let's keep the talking to a minimum."
—Becky, 21, Colorado Springs, Colo.

"A lot goes into kissing beyond the obvious. But if there's stress involved, it's not going to be a good kiss. Just relax and enjoy yourself — it's intuitive when there's a good connection."
—Sheril Kirshenbaum, author of The Science of Kissing

"My boyfriend really likes that I have a signature kiss: three speedy kisses on his cheek, boom, boom, boom. I can also do it over the phone, when we're sitting across the room from each other, while we're driving — it's like a secret code."
—Rachel, 26, Columbus, Ohio

"If you're on a date and think you might be locking lips later, make sure you've got some gum or mints on hand. Nothing is worse than taking in someone else's smelly breath."
—Nate, 24, Oil City, Pa.

"If you're having trouble with the way he's kissing you, tell him afterward. In the moment, it's OK to try kissing him the way you want to be kissed and see if he responds, but if nothing improves, talk to him outside of any romantic action. Gently say to him, 'I've been thinking about the last time we were together, and I would love it if you would try kissing me this way next time.' Guys are always up for a challenge like that."
—Andrea Demirjian, author of Kissing: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About One of Life's Sweetest Pleasures

"One guy simply kissed me and tucked my hair back and I was instantly more attracted to him. The same works for touching my cheek. A gentle touch goes a long way."
—Lindsey, 21, Tempe, Ariz.

"When you're married, kissing can take a backseat to everything else. Even though my husband and I don't kiss each other as often as we did when we first started dating, we make it full of feeling when we do find the time."
—Kristina, 27, Indiana, Pa.

"One time this guy and I were kissing, and out of nowhere he gently bit my bottom lip. It was very unexpected and made me feel like I was in a sexy music video."
—Alison, 21, San Francisco