Kiss and tell: what women and men want in a kiss
by Galen Buckwalter | October 4, 2007
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Kissing is a near universal phenomenon occurring between sexual and/or romantic partners in over 90% of human cultures. While almost everyone kisses there is very little information around on why people kiss or what makes a kiss spectacular.
In an effort to at least get simple descriptive information on why people kiss and what makes some kisses an experience that makes one weak in the knees Susan Hughes, from Albright College in Pennsylvania, evaluated 1,041 college students. She asked then questions about their kissing preferences, styles, attitudes and behaviors. A wealth of information emerged. Here are a few of the most interesting findings.
- Men and women reported having kissed a similar number of people in their lives; 14 was the average number for both men and women
- About 50% of men would have sex without kissing their partner first; only 10% of women would do so.
- Men want to kiss someone based on their perception of facial attraction, women focus more on a man’s teeth in deciding if they would like to kiss him.
- Kissing seems to be more important before sex and much less so after.
- Overall, kissing is more important for women than for men in having a satisfying sexual experience.
- Overall men prefer wetter kisses with more tongue than do women.
- Both sexes preferred more tongue with long-term partners.
- Men are more than twice as likely to have sex with a bad kisser than are women.
- 59% of men and 66% of women have been put off by a potential partner’s kiss at some point in their romantic lives.
The authors conclude that women emphasize kissing as a means of evaluating a potential mate and to monitor the ongoing status of a relationship. Men employ kissing as a way to get sex and to affect conflict resolution. While the evolutionary role of kissing is certainly not settled, these results do bring attention to the fact that kissing plays a critical role both in developing and in maintaining romantic relationships.
Further Reading:
Hughes, S.M., Harrison, M.A., and Gallup, G.G. Jr. (2007) Sex differences in romantic kissing among college students: An evolutionary perspective. Evolutionary Psychology 2007. 5(3): 612-631


A kiss can be so much, especially early in a relationship, I have been kissed in so many diffrent ways some conect lips and have their tounges flick in & out at which doesnt do it for me (ther is a time and place for all kisses) but have always known what kind of kiss is the real thing to me. The slow soft warm gentle kiss where the noses touch and the lips make full contact, short contact that leads to longer contact with the tounge slowly making its way out to explore each other, keeping the lips equal not to over take the other persons lips, that leads up to a more passionet kiss where our mouths are equally open and can feel the suction of each person keeping the tounge in each others mouth to unify us, secures our mind and lets the other know that we are one person linked together and desire each other.
Now for those who don’t understand the kissing of someones eye, forehead, nose, cheek, ear, fingers, hands, neck or just ONE LIP is foreplay or an act to stimulate and set the frame of mind, I find it relaxing and a way to show compassion toward the person i’m kissing, that leads up to a more enjoyable and memorable kiss between two people.
In response to CHRIS from 10/16/07 — Chris, I could NOT have said that better…! That is EXACTLY the way I like, love, and NEED things to be – otherwise I feel used and things go nowhere… Lovemaking is an amazing sharing that happens between two people who connect – through mutual like, attraction, whatever — not just “getting laid”, having sex based on physical lust (or “scheming” on the part of the guy!)
One of the WORST dates I’ve been on was a first date where the guy invented all this intimacy between us that wasn’t there – it hadn’t had time to develop yet! He wanted to kiss and touch me very sensually after we chatted for 2 hours at a coffeehouse, but the only way it made me feel was like he wanted to “get laid”, not like he wanted to get to know me… Ugh! ANYHOW, thanks to Chris for saying it perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I need to wade in on kissing…I’ve kissed many, some as a prelude to further intimacy, many as an expression of intimacy to come. All my sensory systems are activated and I can remember kisses of many years past, the touch, the taste, the scent of her closeness. Almost nothing is more intimate between a man and woman. I can’t wait for the next one.
A kiss is NOT just a kiss. There can be a lot of passion without the sex! There is so much expression and non-verbal communication. A great kisser is never forgotten! Even if there has been a dry spell, it is like riding a bicycle– for crying out loud! You don’t forget how to be tender and let your lips to the “talking” When I was married, my husband’s kisses were so mechanical, after 25 years. Keep the passion alive. (Watch out for that, men). It was all about the sex and a turn off to me if the heart is not in it. It is empty, shallow and degrading feeling. Cher’s Shupe Shupe song, remember, Does He Love Me? It’s in his KISS.” Men that are unselfish and not in it just for themselves, but for the pleasure of both of you, now that is a kind and considerate, companion, lover, etc. The Pointer Sisters, and Conway Twitty sang that song, Slow Hand, Listen to it and get a clue men, and women. No bam, bam, thank you man, mamm! Just take it a moment at a time and enjoy each other. Holy COW!!
After 17 years of marriage I SO miss the thrill of new kisses… the chemistry, the anticipation, the exploration, the passion… *SIGH*
In response to Patty’s of Nov. 1, 2007, I MUST agree with you. Kissing a man makes me really warm inside and it’s just sometimes so intense that you feel as if you are taken to another place! There is nothing more intense that that first kiss, leading to…
WOW!
At 50 I have the good fortune of having a 36 year old lover. I thought I was a good kisser until I met her. She taught me the art of kissing. Now I value good kissing a lot more than I used to and I enjoy it a whole lot more, too. I said to her the other day, “I like kissing a lot better than did before we met.”
She said, ” you were a good kisser when I met you, but you’re a great kisser now.” So ladies, if you make the investment in training you will reap the benefits in kissing!
Jay
It started very sircumspect and didn’t even show
Not that she would have it different, ’twas better no one know
And so with heart’s cresendo, almost painful with its beat
She reached and pulled him closer so that their lips could meet
Has had looked transparent, as brown had mirrored blue
One feels completely naked when one sees inside of you
And so with soft complient shrug she played the weaker part
And with a warm tongued greeting she opened up her heart
Ands every breath they took from there shared sommon breath of life
She never dreamed that midnight she’d want to be his wife
She only dreamed that lover’s dream that someone matches you
And life’s purpose indefinable has magically come true
What was that telltale signal of all that roiled within?
No, not warm perspiration, but chill bumps on her skin
So feeling quite delicious in a life almost complete
Sense wrapped up all her wishes and turned the chill to heat.
oops! “Has” shouls be “he”.
There you have it, I’m undone, by memory of that kiss!
2 things never lie a womans eyes and her kiss. If you’re in a relationship and that first kiss of the day is as mind blowing as the first time you kissed then your relationship still going strong and if your first kiss can curl your toes then that’s the girl for you.
I had the incredible fortune of reconnecting with my high school sweetheart 30 years after we broke up. We went out for years and he was my first love. Well… first… everything! He was and is the love of my life, and I, his. He was a wonderful kisser then. Now it is even more incredible. The first time he kissed me this time around was undescribable. The feelings, the passion, the love that was exchanged completely rocked both of our worlds. I have been back with him for a year now and the kissing ( don’t know how) has just gotten even better. I dream about kissing him, tasting his mouth, feeling the softness of his lips, his tongue constantly and cant wait until the next time. The connection is something I can’t describe on paper, but it is the most beautiful, meaningful, fabulous thing I have ever had the incredible fortune of having. God has been soo good to me. The sex is pretty fantastic too, however, the kissing is gift and I am so lucky.
Good oral hygene is a plus, rotten teeth, stench from decay of food and tobacco breath take the thrill out of any kissing excitement. Passionate kissing, before sex makes the difference between a dull romp and a rememberable one. Bad kissers are dead in bed,period.
I had the most incredible kiss with a someone special a few years ago,it is the kisses with passion we all remember or long for in our lives,i was blessed to experiience it with someone who will remain in my heart forever
I met a woman via an online dating site. We emailed and talked on the phone for about two weeks before our first date. We had developed a very strong connection before we even met. When I finally saw her, and she saw me, the very first thing we did was kiss. I have never kissed someone upon first meeting them, but at that point, we already knew each other’s souls. Unfortunately, the relationship ended for a variety of reasons, but I will never forget that night–the best first kiss of my life.
The best kiss I ever had was about two years ago in Hawaii no less!!! I was on a business trip and gave into a long anticipated make out session with a then co-worker. The ice breaker was on the elevator to his room. It was sweet and soft. We went to the balcony and watch the waves come in and the moon over the lagoon right under his hotel room. We talked about what we were possibly getting into and the next thing I knew he scooped me up in his arms and leaned me over the balcony. I could feel the weight of my hair dangling over the edge. It was seemingly dangerous and forbidden (given our working status)!!! When we parted I remember him whispering “wow”. He took the words right out of my mouth! The greatest thing about that kiss is it lead us to being the best of friends. We stopped kissing but I’ll never forget that night!
I recently had an intimate moment with a guy, and i must say he is the worst kisser ever coz he actually bites and its soo painful especially on my lips .How do you tell someone or how do you teach someone how to kiss without bruising their ego?
Thank you, gentlemen, for all your comments. I agree with everything you said. Kisses are not just ways to show affection; they are romantic. And most women I know love romance! A good kiss is worth more than chocolates and flowers any day. My most memorable kisses were warm, soft build-ups to better things (and more passionate kisses) to come. One thing I would like to repeat, especially to the men out there: Variety! Don’t always kiss a woman the same way. It gets old after a while if you always know what to expect.
Kissing is an art form that requires continual practice, spontaneity and originality. It is also the way into a woman’s heart sometimes quickly, and sometimes slowly with multiple kisses patiently turning the key.
After reading all of the comments from people here, I must admit these have allowed me an opportunity to release alot of positive emotions and memories from a colleague and girlfriend which the 21st of November will be a 4 year anniversary when we broke up. It all began working for a new employer, driving a school bus over these new routes which would be mine once school started. I’ll go by the initials of JM to respect her privacy. It just so happened I had the wonderful pleasure of having her train me for 2 weeks and getting to know her as well. I’m talking about an absolute knockout woman, inside and out, who worked out, had excellent curves all over and she’d stop guys in their tracks if they took a look at her. She was also 4 years older than me (I was 35 @ the time). I was sitting across from her in the bus seats where the students would sit and she asked me a personal question. I wasn’t too sure what I’m getting into @ the time but I allowed her to ask me. I gave her an honest answer and asked her if she was jealous. She was jealous. I’m sure women don’t like to do certain things in the morning before going out to work or play- So I’ll leave that for y’all to answer amongst yourselves. I asked her out for dinner about a week later and it took alot out of me becuase I’m sure she had plenty of men waiting for an oportunity to show her a good time, at least I once thought. She said yes, and really threw me for a loop. From that point on, we went on walks together @ a park 5 minutes from the yard- held in-depth conversations- had same childhoods growing up together- and shared alot in common. Back in September 2003- JM and I really had something going- getting deeper into each other. I’ve met her 3 kids- wonderful gifts from God, and they started accepting me for I am. Anyway, back @ the park, on a playground, I was getting warm so I took off my coat and I asked her if I could take off my shirt and she said okay. So I soaked up some warm rays of the sun, while cooling off, I’ve said to her ‘I wonder what it’ll be like kissing you’. The strangest thing happened because she felt the same way I did and on the same page. So anyway, we walked around some more and we found a nice secluded spot on a bridge over a creek in Dellwood Park. I can’t remember for the life of me what we were talking about then, but all I knew then is I was looking into her windows to her soul, putting my hands on her face with such tenderness, and I’m really trembling on the inside and on the keyboard:-) !!! I delivered 2 healthy, soft, and passionate kisses which really knocked and shook us to the very core. I was really light-headed and winded. So up we went from there to go to work- I was surprised I could still drive the bus w/ her taste on my lips!!!! She was wet in primetime from the afternoon’s events but this was only a warm-up. We started doing things together more often, playing w/ her kids, helping them w/ their homework, going to church together, hanging out w/ her friends, taking naps together @ her home, and working to go even deeper into each other’s minds and hearts. One night in her house- I was feeling really weird, starting to reflect on everything which was happening to our friendship and could it be it’s blossoming into something more. I was really struggling w/ this, trying to keep my composure and emotions in check, but myself to starting falling in love w/ her- I just knew something was happening but I couldn’t figure it out what it was. I knew my heart was flying like it had wings and when we had an disagreement- it would be hurting. We went outside while her kids we’re inside doing their homework and whatever else while we talked. I explained to her what’s troubling me and she told me something that I’d never forget. She said, “Rob, I really like you alot, and I’ve fallen in love w/ you.” I’ve completely lost it, my kisses to her were just getting more and more intense, including the french kisses- those kisses were so long, consider them never-ending. I’m fighting so hard to keep myself in line and slowly losing my grip, choking on my tears literally because I now know what love is- I’ve never experienced ‘unconditional love’ from anyone in my entire life until I’ve met JM. She loved me for who I am and not what- all of my flaws- ‘who you see is who you get’ and nothing more. We’ve also very intimate w/ each other several times during the week in b/w midday and PM routes which allowed us an hour. We also were invited to a friends wedding celebration. We danced in each other’s arms and kissing passionately w/ each other. We left early, and went back to her place- we got even more intimate and didn’t quit until about 330AM the next morning- and we’re dead exhausted when we went to church that Sunday!!! We always loved each other’s company and we didn’t always have the time to be intimate w/ her kids around. One night in November probably the 8th, we had a major disagreement- once the intuition (gut feeling) kicks in, that’s the end of it. She asked me how I felt about her and the relationship. I really loved her and I wasn’t too sure how it pan out. Regarding to provide for her, and the 3 children- even though she never asked me to. She also envisioned having a child of my own but I wasn’t too sure she’d like to start over. Lastly, this guy who works w/ us, and has broken up w/ her 2 times before, wouldn’t leave her alone- throughout our relationship- leaving messages on the answering machine and ruined a beautiful quiet time for the both of us and took the mood out w/ it. So all of this came to a head and I wanted to end it. These were big enough issues back then which I didn’t know how to respond to them. We’re crying @ this point, she, I and her daughter, and the youngest son. So we went to sleep crying our eyes out. So much emotion flowing @ this point- you couldn’t tell from beginning to end. She calls me up the next night as I’m driving home and I’m hurting big time- she blocked her phone number from my cell phone and we talked for a couple of minutes. I asked her if felt comfortable for me to come by and she was okay w/ that. I basically said I wanted to make it happen and to last- and what her position was on this. She wanted to make it happen also and we’re all crying in each other’s arms: her, her daughter, the youngest son, and myself. Things, were definitely different until November 21st- after my 36th b-day. She broke up w/ me and said “I’ve prayed about our relationship and I want to break up w/ you. I still have warm feelings about you, and I hope you’re okay w/ this.” To say the least, I knew this was coming but when is another issue in itself. To this day, nearly 4 years later, I still have feelings for her, like the flame never went out- she was my flame and I was hers, and I’m hoping and giving hope to all of those who’ve lost the spark to the love of their lives, it can be rekindled and all you have to do is make the contact and find out where your partner stands. People and circumstances change. Hey, I should be that guy in the movie “A 40 year old Virgin” What do y’all think about that??? I don’t believe in sex before marriage like the Bible commands us to do, so I’m saving myself for the love of my life until I say “I do” and 2 bodies are united into 1 like He says in His Word.
Recently, I got involved with someone who was an amazing kisser. We had known each other for a year and a half, but all of a sudden we both realized there was an attraction between us. We started flirting, and talking and chatting online. Eventually we made a date…and when his lips met mine for the first time, I was overwhelmed. His hands were exploring my arms, my back, my face, my hair…his lips were soft and full and gentle. The kiss built and built until I thought I would explode. We kissed this way for about an hour. It was an amazing experience. We kissed tenderly at first, but they became more and more demanding. When we composed ourselves, he sat there just looking into my eyes, touching my face, tracing my lips with his finger, then my nose, then my eyebrows. He placed soft gentle kisses all over my face and my neck and ears. He told me it was an amazing experience that he would never forget, and he had never known a woman who enjoyed kissing him so much. We dated for a while and everything about our relationship was very special to me. He enhanced my sensuality a great deal and I am more aware of my needs now. Unfortunately, we don’t see each other anymore, but I will never forget him, or the way he kissed me. His is the kiss against which all others will be measured!
Hi – I am married and recently met up a few times with an ex. We have had dinner a few times. The last time he kissed me full on the mouth as we said goodbye – for me it was mind blowing but can any of you guys tell me if this means he wants more than just friendship or can this just be a friendly kiss albeit quite intimate too?? I’m confused and don’t want to ruin our friendship.
Kissing – Is that WONDERFUL feeling of goose bumps
before the initail soft and romantic first kiss your thinking about and then it happens. To me, it is the best feeling of that second kiss after the first. Making out is the best.
I remember my first kiss!.. it was so sweet, kinda and made me feel great inside! He was the most gentelman u could ever find…. Elijah*.. and i no what a bad kisser is like i was dating this guy called Ethan.. like we had been going out for about 2 years then and he took me to the movies, and tryed to pash me but it was more like he was trying to eat me!.but no i have moved on from that found a new lover,he is juts so kind and caring! i love him to bits and peaces! and i would do anything for him!
Slowly and passionately our lips met… then she crossed her legs and knocked my glasses off!
oooooooh…..its so warm soft lovely and most expected when its cold outside. kissing on the right time just knocks down.
Wow, i loved reading all these posts!
I’m only starting to kiss and I’m so glad I stumbled upon this!
Thanks for the tips! Lot’s of your answers were poetry, really. I’ve never been kissed but I see it in the not-so-distant future so your advice will come in very handy.
Taking it slow and not too hard, maybe building but not necessarily. Thanks to my sister.
I think it’s not a question of do we love kissing or not. but does it have a meanning???? does it tuch my heart???? does it tuch my soul????? does it give me a positive feeling?????
Hello read much abt kissing; but never kissed an opposite gender in my life- not married; and religion does not allow to mix wth opposite gender as problems can arise as u se in so many above mentioned stories; i wish to find a suitable life partner one day who wud be a great KISSER! i have only experienced kiss of parents and sisters that was also exciting (sister) for me
When you decide to really kiss someone who matters to you, there is desire. Passion comes next. What you choose to do after that depends on what you feel, think and how much you care. Kissing can be an end in itself or a beginning of intimacy unparallelled by any other experience.
I HAVE A QUESTION I HAVE ASKED MYSELF EVERYTIME A MAN HAS TRIED TO KISS ME.. DO MEN JUST WANT TO KISS A GIRL BECAUSE HE JUST WANTS TO PUT HER IN BED??
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