A kiss can feel like a Michael Bay-level explosion, or it can make you feel absolutely zilch, zero, nothing. There's more nuance to a simple kiss than just an equation of lips and tongues, and there are easy ways to set the pace even if you're not exactly the most experienced kisser. Below, a handy guide on how to take the reigns on a make-out session like you're a seasoned pro.
Freshen up. It goes without saying that when you're inches from someone's face, no one wants to inhale whiffs of stale coffee or a mouthful of garlic and onion. A little self-awareness goes a long way—avoid overly pungent foods or pack a teeny pack of mints, just in case.
Time the moment right. Follow the other person's body language cues to know when it's the right time to initiate a kiss. Consent is key, so it never hurts to ask before leaning in for a smooch if you're not sure. Just don't insist on forcing a kiss if it doesn't feel right, or leave the other person waiting so long that they start questioning whether you're interested in them.
Work your eyes. When you're leaning in for a kiss, you can't use your mouth to speak, so why not say it through eye contact?
Stay in the moment. You're guaranteed to feel more connected to the other person if you stop feeling anxious about your kissing skills or something you said 10 minutes earlier by tuning out any extra mental chatter and giving into the moment.
Take your time. Kissing is a team effort. Don't squelch someone's spirit by going on the offensive (AKA getting too heavy-handed with tongue) or trying too hard to control the situation or lead the way.
Pack Some Balm. No, no one expects your lips to be "kissably soft" all the time. But it does help to pack some lip balm in your bag if your lips are a dry, flaky mess in winter