What I have for you all are not your typical “rotate your tongue in a technical washing machine motion” tips. Rather, I have focused on the total experience of the kiss. Two factors that enhance said the experience are the preparation and approach.
As far as preparation is concerned, check your breath. This weekend, my friend denied a cute-faced yet foul-mouthed pursuer. They are called “Life Saver” mints for a reason.
One need to be fully equipped with not only fresh breath but also the ever-crucial moisturized lips. No, your partner’s saliva does not count as hydration.
This weekend I received a product to review for you all, KISSTIXX, which will solve the breath and moisturization problem. KISSTIXX are flavored lip balms that come in packs of two with one for you and your partner. Available at local drug stores, KISSTIX come in six pairs: “fire and ice,” “strawberry and chocolate,” “peaches and cream,” “strawberry daquiri and pina colada,” “raspberry and lemonade” and “sweet and sour.” I took it as a personal challenge to try out the promising “fire and ice.” A charming younger lad by the name of Max volunteered his lips’ services.
With KISSTIXX, the kiss was certainly much sweeter than any other I had previously experienced as a result of the different and fun flavor. “Fire and Ice” was a tingly cinnamon flavor for me and a soothing vanilla for him. Both were enjoyable and Max certainly seemed to enjoy it, as he couldn’t quite get enough.
The KISSTIXX made my lips so much smoother. I would use it for basic daily use, except the effect lasts longer than a day. The next day I could still taste remnants of the sweetness after much scrubbing and brushing. That longevity of the product would be its only downfall. Well, that, and the awkward moment when I decided to ask Max to be my guinea pig to try the products.
The approach to any kiss is crucial, and a momentary pause to put on lip balms might be a tad awkward. It was just the right amount of awkward, however, that you can both laugh about.
KISSTIXX or no KISSTIXX, a kiss that was highly anticipated is always a more passionate one than one that came out of the blue after some casual dancing together at Howl.
When dealing with someone who is difficult to read, stealing a kiss may not be the best option. Read the other person’s body language. There is a difference between really wanting to kiss someone, and having that feeling reciprocated.
If you are feeling the desire build between you and all conversation simply sounds likes “blah blah blah” because his or her lips on your lips is all that is on your mind, it is time to make the move. My classic move is to ask, “What are you thinking?” and if he or she is thinking what you are, he or she will say something along the lines of “I am thinking I want to kiss you.” I know it sounds cliché, but it works because most guys are unoriginal and will resort to cheesy lines to catch a girl. (Editor’s note: Hey, it works.)
Asking for a kiss is always nice because it expresses interest and shows that you are not forcefully crossing boundaries. The surprise of a stolen kiss can be fun, but it can also take a person off guard and won’t even give them a split second to mentally prepare themselves for what is about to ensue. You had better be a damned good kisser if you are going to just assume someone wants your tongue exploring the inner workings of their mouth or else all your curious tongue will find is some angry teeth ready to bite.
Also, when I say ask for a kiss, do it in person. By far one of my most bizarre occurrences was receiving a text message that asked if we could try our first kiss the next time we hung out. My initial immediate reaction was dancing around my room, kissing my phone and having my roommates read it out loud to me because I couldn’t believe it was true. Now I realize my naive infatuation blinded my common sense to see that was not the cutest approach, as when we met again we awkwardly sat around thinking, “How about that kiss, eh?”
The perfect approach to a kiss is a combination of anticipation and spontaneity, but not too much of either, as it will make things awkward.
