Kissing types to save you

Kissing is one of those pastimes that never gets old. And while you may have your lip-locking skills down-pat, it can be fun to try new things. There are several different types of kissing techniques – some good, some bad and some just plain ugly. Here are 20 good kissing techniques to spice up your love life.

1. The across-the-room kiss
Share a moment with your significant other in a crowd by sending an across-the-room kiss: Pucker your lips and make a kissing gesture at him. Use this kissing technique as a quick "I love you" or as a sign of encouragement.

2. The aggressive kiss
If your significant other leans in for a quick smooch, but you're in the mood for something more, surprise him by turning his peck into a long, deep, sensual kiss. He'll get your message loud and clear.

3. The biting kiss
Gently nibble your partner's bottom lip to add some spice to your next kissing session. Or, after several soft, sensual kisses, give his bottom lip a playful bite. The sharp contrast of this new sensation will invigorate him. This kissing technique is a great way to liven things up.

4. The butterfly kiss
This playfully, innocent gesture is great for children, significant others, or just goofing around with friends. Bring your faces so close together that your eyelashes touch, then bat your eyes at each other. The lash-on-lash feeling is meant to imitate butterfly wings and symbolize the fluttering sensation in your heart.

5. The crush kiss
Kissing a crush for the first time can be one of the most exhilarating feelings in the world.
To send him to the moon, keep this kiss inviting by being demure. Begin with a gentle, close-mouthed kiss with your arms around his neck or waist, then slowly open your mouth. The key is to leave him wanting more, so don't use your tongue. Pull away before your lingering kiss turns into a make-out session, but keep your arms around him for a few moments longer. You'll both be seeing stars!

6. The curious kiss
Whether you've been friends with someone for years or you're saying goodnight to a great second date, sometimes you just want to see if the sparks are there. A kiss is a great way to test your chemistry, provided you use the right technique. This type of kiss falls somewhere between the crush kiss (No. 5) and the friendly kiss (No. 12). 13. The gallant kiss
Traditionally, a man kisses a woman's hand to show respect and admiration for a lady.

7. The earlobe kiss
To really steam up your next kissing session, slowly move your lips over to your partner's ear. Gently nibble or suck on his earlobe (be careful not to bite!). Breathe through your nose and exhale softly into his ear. The waft of warm air will make his whole body tingle. Just don't linger too long in this area; a little ear action can go a long way!

8. The Eskimo kiss
Like the butterfly kiss, this is a light-hearted "kissing" technique that children, friends or significant others can enjoy. This kiss substitutes noses for lips. Bring your faces close and gently rub your noses together. This silly kiss is sure to brighten anyone's day.

9. The European kiss
In Europe, it is common for people to say hello or goodbye with a kiss on one or both cheeks. This trend is catching on in social settings in the United States, as well. With the European kiss, your lips barely touch the person's skin or kiss the air right next to the person's cheek. It is more of a formality than a real kiss.

10. The exploratory kiss
When you enter into a new relationship, chances are you'll be kissing plenty. During this stage, you and your partner are like explorers – discovering each others' techniques, finding out what you each like and dislike. Now is the time to experiment.
Switch up your style with quick pecks, lingering, open-mouth kisses, and playful Eskimo and butterfly kisses. Run your hands through your partner's hair, trace your fingers up and down his back, or tease him with tickles. Try a little tongue play, but don't feel pressured to dive into full-fledged French kissing. The point is to have fun and try new things. Enjoy the excitement of venturing into uncharted territory.

11. The French kiss
Perhaps the most famous of all kisses (and the one most often poorly executed), the French kiss is all about the tongue action. Approach this kissing technique like you would a potential mine field: one step at a time. The trick is to go slowly. Use your tongue to gently explore your partner's mouth. Breathe through your nose, and feel free to take breaks.


12. The friendly kiss
For some people, kissing a friend on the lips or cheek is a natural way to show affection. Just keep it short and sweet, and always close-mouthed. You don't want to send mixed signals.

13. The gallant kiss
Traditionally, a man kisses a woman's hand to show respect and admiration for a lady.

14. The icy kiss
Play with kissing your partner by putting a piece of ice in your mouth, kissing him, and passing the ice to him with your tongue. Or try the same thing with a powerful breath mint. This cold variation of the French kiss can really heat up your night.

15. The motherly kiss
The motherly kiss involves kissing a person's forehead to show friendship, affection or comfort.

16. The obligatory kiss
Picture this: You're in the middle of a crowded party and who do you see coming your way? The guy who left you 20 voicemails after one chemistry-less date. He says hello and leans in, lips puckered. Rather than running away screaming, help him save face by offering him yours. Turn your face to the side and let him kiss your cheek. If his lips begin to wander, turn your head again and offer the other cheek as well. Then smile politely, say something nice, and walk away.
Remember, you are never required to kiss someone on the lips. By allowing a quick peck on the cheek, you keep the mood friendly while sending a clear signal that you are not interested.


17. The sensual kiss
The neck is full of delicate nerve endings, and kisses on the neck are sure to send a tingling sensation through your partner's entire body. When things are getting hot and heavy, move your kisses to your partner's neck.
Gently suck or nibble on one area, or cover the entire neck with kisses. This kiss will make him beg for more.

18. The thank-you kiss
To show appreciation or affection, offer someone a friendly kiss on the cheek. This type of kiss is also commonly used at the end of a first date. It's a nice form of body contact, but it's also non-committal.

19. The therapeutic kiss
The next time your significant other has a headache or is stressed out, try this kissing technique. Put your lips on the bridge of his nose and slowly deliver a series of soft kisses. The gentle pressure of the kisses and delicate warmth of your breath will ease his tension and help him de-stress in no time.

20. The upside-down kiss
Switch things up by having your partner lie with his head on your lap. Then lean in and kiss him with your top lip on his bottom lip and vice-versa. Explore the unique sensations of kissing upside-down. You'll discover that 180 degrees makes quite a difference!
Variety is the spice of life, and kissing is no exception. Try these 20 kissing techniques, or any of your own, to bring spontaneity to your relationships. Just remember, whether this is your first kiss or your 500th: Relax. Enjoy the moment. And don't forget to breathe.