In the UK, studies suggest the average age for a first kiss is around 15 years old, with some research pointing to ages 12-15 as common for starting this romantic milestone, though it varies greatly and people often feel ready between those years.
Though the average age for young people to experience a first kiss is fifteen, there is absolutely no reason to rush into it because “everyone else is doing it” or you want to feel “normal.” After all, what good is a kiss if it comes with a side of regret?
The 90/10 kissing rule, popularized by the movie Hitch, suggests that one person leans in 90% of the way for a kiss and pauses, allowing the other person to close the remaining 10%, which signals their consent and involvement, preventing it from feeling forced and creating anticipation. This technique gives the other person control, allowing them to either lean in for the kiss or pull away, indicating their comfort level.
The "3-month kiss rule" (or 90-day rule) is a dating guideline suggesting you abstain from kissing (and sometimes sex) for the first three months of dating someone to build a stronger, less physically-driven connection, allowing you to see if the person is a good long-term fit beyond initial infatuation, much like a job probation period. Popularized by dating coaches, it aims to filter out those seeking only short-term intimacy and identify partners with more commitment and self-control, though it's a flexible guideline, not a strict rule for everyone.
But it does provide some rough guidelines as to how soon may be too soon to make long-term commitments and how long may be too long to stick with a relationship. Each of the three numbers—three, six, and nine—stands for the month that a different common stage of a relationship tends to end.
If you're wondering, “What's the right time when it comes to having a first kiss?” the answer really is, “It depends.” For some people, locking lips on the first date might be the right call. For others, it might make more sense to wait until the second or even the third date to take things to the next level.
Some signs you're a bad kisser: Going too fast, lacking enthusiasm, poor technique, and bad breath are common indicators.
If kissing before marriage stimulates lust or leads to sexual immorality, it is a sin and should be avoided between couples that are not married.
Keep your mouth soft and relaxed
Both a cranked-open jaw and a closed-mouth, hard pucker aren't the most pleasant to smooch. Keep your lips just-apart enough, allowing the kisses to be soft and deep, and keep your mouth relaxed. You want to see where the kiss takes you.
Yet the average age for girls to start dating is 12.5 and for boys 13.5, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics. WebMD discusses the common first step of group outings.
A total of 383 men and 312 women completed an anonymous survey online. They were single (18%), dating (12%), in a committed dating relationship (33%), and married or cohabiting (37%). Their average age of first romantic or sexual kiss was 15 years, and 39% reported playing kissing games as adolescents.
Prevention of infection while kissing
Simple kisses use as few as 2 muscles and burn only 2 to 3 calories, whereas passionate kissing can involve as many as 23 to 34 facial muscles and 112 postural muscles. The act of kissing consumes between 5 and 26 calories per minute.
Don't forget to care for your lips: lip balm protects and soothes your lips, leaving them with a nice shine. Kiss! It promotes the circulation in the lips.
The 💋 emoji (Kiss Mark) generally means a kiss, often conveying affection, love, romance, or flirtation, but can also signify sassiness or be used in place of "kisses" (like 'XXX') for friends and family, adding warmth to digital communication. It's more suggestive than other kissing emojis and can imply sexiness or a "kiss off," depending on the context.
Then, put your lips against their skin and form an “O” with your mouth. Draw in your breath and suck; it should create a bit of a vacuum effect. Teeth aren't needed to cause a hickey — suction alone will do it — but you can mix in a bit of light biting and nibbling here if your partner is interested in that.
How to Kiss (Really) Well: 9 Steps
The 2-2-2 rule for couples is a relationship guideline suggesting you schedule dedicated time together: a date night every two weeks, a weekend getaway every two months, and a longer vacation (about a week) every two years, to maintain connection, improve communication, and prevent drifting apart amidst busy lives. It's a flexible framework, not a rigid law, meant to prioritize intentional, distraction-free time to nurture the partnership.
Red Flags on the First Date
Kiss before marriage is unacceptable based on biblical dating principles. Hebrew 13:4 instructs how Christian couples must leave the bed undefiled for their relationship to be honourable. Kissing indicates sexual desire.