The 6 tell-tale signs you’re a bad kisser & how to go from ‘washing machine’ to ‘wow’ like Love Island’s Ronnie
A FIRST kiss can determine a lot of things.
The moment you lock lips, sparks should be flying – but unfortunately, this may not always be the case.
From being too overbearing, to shying away too much or accidentally knocking teeth, a bad kiss can be seriously off-putting.
This week’s Love Island saw Ronnie Vint, 28, get told he was a bad kisser after he was tasked with snogging the “three sexiest islanders”.
However, Elma Pazar didn’t rate the kiss giving it a five out of ten – before adding she was going to “teach him how to kiss”.
She went on to say Ronnie “kisses like a washing machine”.
A previous study in The Journal of Evolutionary Psychology asked over 200 people: “Have you ever found yourself attracted to someone, only to discover after kissing them for the first time that you were no longer interested?”
And it found that over 60% of people have had this experience.
Here, The Sun’s agony aunt Sally Land reveals to YASMIN HARISHA the tell-tale signs of a bad kisser and how to overhaul your technique.
Cutting it short
A good way to tell if you might not be a great kisser is to pay attention to what happens after the kiss, and this can certainly happen if you don’t check your breath before.
Sally says: “The biggest sign that your kissing technique might need some work is if things go downhill with your date right after your first kiss.
“If you were dating before and, say, on the third date you decided to kiss, but then you don’t hear back from them, that’s a sign.
“Another thing to watch for is if they try to avoid kissing again when you’re out together.
“If you don’t bother to check your breath before getting up close and personal, you risk putting your potential partner off.
“Bad breath consistently comes up as the greatest sin of poor kissers. So check your breath and if you have any doubts – there’s no harm.”
Wiping their mouth
Have you ever had someone try to casually pull away and then proceed to wipe their face?
Chances are, they may not be a fan of your style.
Make sure you are relaxed – kissing isn’t an exact science but it does need to feel natural and enjoyable
Sally Land
Sally says: “A strong tell tale sign that your partner isn’t enjoying your moves is that they pull away to wipe their mouth.
“They may not have made it obvious, but take note and try to notice as it can be overpowering for some.
“Nobody wants a slobbery kiss, so keep your saliva in check.”
Speed restrictions
Take note from Ronnie’s mistake on Love Island as Elma blasted his kiss for being a bit too much tongue action, whilst doing it at speed.
Sally says: “Don’t expect to get down to it straight away. If you get intense too quickly, your partner is likely to retreat.
“Make sure you are relaxed – kissing isn’t an exact science but it does need to feel natural and enjoyable.
“The best way to achieve that is by making sure you are at ease.”
No enjoyment
If you aren’t enjoying it, then there is a possibility that your kissing partner isn’t having a great time either.
Sally says: “Notice if you are relaxed when kissing, or if you really just want it to be over and done with yourself.
A makeout session shouldn’t be exhausting and leaving them breathless.
Sally Land
“Chances are your partner may be feeling the same, and the connection isn’t there.
“Take note of what is happening. Are you feel you are leading the way too much? Do you feel a sense of pull back? Or are you chasing the kiss too much?
“These are all things to note.”
Breathtaking
Do you find that your partner is slightly out of breath after your kiss? You may be taking their breath away, but it may not be so positive.
Sally says: “It may be a sign that your style is too full on that they’re not able to breathe properly during the kiss.
“A makeout session should be calm, whilst putting each other at ease, not exhausting and leaving them breathless.
“Maybe take a break, say something cheeky and go back to it – it’s not about the length of kissing time, but the quality of it.”
Knocking heads
If you find you keep knocking heads, you may not be paying attention to which way their head is tilting.
Sally says: “Previous research has found that most people tilt their heads to the right when they kiss.
“However, this can also change if the person who leans in for the kiss is left-handed.
“A sign of a bad kisser is if you find you are repeatedly knocking heads due to which way your head is tilting.
“Make sure you follow your partner’s lead and tilt your head the opposite way they do.”
Guide on How to Kiss
By Sally Land, The Sun’s Agony Aunt
Start with the Basics: Begin with a long, sensual kiss on closed lips. This can be the perfect way to show your interest and desire for more without diving into anything too intense right away.
Lead with Your Lips: In those initial exploratory kisses, focus on your lips. You can introduce your tongue later, once you both feel more comfortable.
Go Slow with French Kissing: When you’re ready to move on to French kissing, avoid being too aggressive. Passionate kissing doesn’t mean fast and furious. Instead, start slowly and gently, with your lips and tongues barely touching.
Gauge Their Response: When your lips are together, gently touch their lips with your tongue. If they open their mouth, it’s a sign they’re ready for more.
Pay Attention to Their Cues: Kissing is like a conversation. Pay attention to their responses to learn about their kissing style. If you feel them retreating, it’s a cue to tone it down or stop. If they respond enthusiastically, continue exploring.
Communicate: Great kissing is all about great communication. Ask your partner how they like to kiss and let them show you. Practise together and ask for feedback to get more in tune with each other.
Enjoy the Process: Remember, kissing should be enjoyable and fun. Take your time to explore and enjoy the moments with your partner.
If you are worried about something or would like to read my support pack, How To Be A Great Kisser you can email my team of counsellors deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk