Why Knowing How to Kiss Is Key to a Strong Relationship

how to kiss

Knowing how to kiss is more than just a short-cut to home base – it’s also a determining factor in finding (and keeping) a partner.

A study by Oxford University has revealed more about the role kissing plays in our relationships. Not only do we use it as a way to size up potential partners, but knowing how to kiss is a determining factor in the quality of our relationship – especially for established couples.

In the short-term, kissing helps us gauge whether or not to take the relationship further. As we continue to climb the courtship ladder and the relationship becomes more intimate, kissing maintains our intimacy level and attachment to the other person. Interestingly, the study also revealed knowing how to kiss often determines the quality of a relationship–even more than having sex.

Since locking lips is important in every stage of the game, here are a few tips that will show your partner you really know how to kiss.

1. Keep your breath in check
Confession: I once broke up with a guy because of his breath. He was a smoker, and even though he was usually careful, the one time he forgot it was like eating an ashtray. I was so horrified I actually became scared to kiss him again, for fear that “Psycho Strings” would start playing in the background. What a buzzkill. Always make sure your breath smells fresh, and always carry back-up in your purse or pocket just to be sure.

2. Nix the chapped lips
Always keep your lips moist and soft – no lip crusties! The only time chapped lips are allowed is after the make-out sesh (hint, hint). Keep lip balm on hand so your lips are always protected. It’s not just the elements that are causing your lips to chap either: chapped lips can be a sign of dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of H20. Also eat healthy and take your vitamins – vitamins B, C, and E in particular will help nurture your lips.

3. Choose simple lip colors
It’s very easy to end up in a trance at the makeup counter and go home with 243 different shades of lipstick. While guys like how we look with lipstick, they might not necessarily want to come in contact with it – especially if it’s super dark, shiny, or sparkly. (I can’t say I blame them – making out with a guy during my high school glitter phase turned his face into a disco ball.) Keep it simple with tinted lip balm or go au naturel.

4. Be present
When you’re making out, try really, really hard not to make shopping lists in your head or plan your BFF’s bachelorette party. As much as we don’t think our partner will catch on, they can sense when we’re not fully in the moment. Once in a while is okay – hey, it happens! – but if you’re a chronic stress ball who’s distracted all the time, he’ll start to take it personally. Leave your mental baggage at the door – you can always deal with it later.

Do you know how to kiss? How important is kissing in your relationship?

Related on EcoSalon:

5 Steps to a Naturally Sexy Pout

Fight the Chap: 5 Best Ways to Sooth Our Winter Lips

Smooch! The Health Benefits of Kissing

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Krissy Brady

Krissy Brady is a women’s health + lifestyle writer who’s so out of shape, it’s like she has the innards of an 80-year-old. Instead of learning how to crochet, she decided to turn her emotional baggage into a writing career (genius, no?). You can follow her shenanigans on Twitter (you know, if you want).