Shakespeare had it wrong. The play's not the thing. If you want to build a stronger connection and have hotter sex, the kiss is the thing. In fact, a study conducted by the State University of New York at Albany discovered that most people are willing to bid adieu to anyone who isn't a good lip-locker — an astonishing 66% of women and 59% of men.
Science also tells us that kissing evolved as a way to learn about a person's viability as a potential partner. So we know how important it is, but how do we make sure we're good at it? Here are a few tips to make you an expert smoocher.
Slow Down, Romeo
This one is particularly for the guys out there who get hot and heavy right out of the gate. Just like the best sex, a great kiss starts gentle and slow. Start with a few small, tender kisses on the lips and give a good pause in between. That will leave your partner anticipating what's to come. Then build up to the open-mouth kiss and the heavier tongue action. This is even more important if it's your first kiss with someone.
Mix It Up
One of the biggest complaints people have about their partner's kissing is that it's too mechanical. Keep it creative and interesting by taking a little nibble on the lower lip, using your tongue in different ways and changing tempo from time to time.
Forget the Lips
Our lips aren't the only place that's packed with nerve endings. Gentle kisses up and down the neck or tracing your tongue along an earlobe can turn a boring makeout session into pure euphoria.
Kiss With Your Hands
Use your hands and arms to pull your partner close, gently explore their back or run your fingers through their hair. For the more adventurous, caressing a leg, derriere or even more intimate parts can be a prelude to even naughtier things.
Carry Mints
This may be a no-brainer, but having breath that could kill a small mammal is a great way to end a kissing session before it even starts. Brush, floss, rinse and always carry an emergency supply of mints to make sure that never happens to you.
