[Article] Scientific ways to be a better kisser

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If you're in a long-term relationship, kissing may seem like a pleasant afterthought to you.

But, with 59% of men and 66% of women saying that they've rethought their attraction to someone because they were a bad kisser, it might be worth thinking about improving your form.

We've all heard the tips from teen magazines and dished about someone's kissing quality to our friends, but it turns out you may want to turn to your science textbooks to perfect your kissing technique. Some of these biology lessons may just help you get your chemistry in order with a new love or an old one.

Have a drink (in moderation)


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Turns out that glass of wine nervously chugged on a first date can actually improve your kissing form.

Alcohol stimulates some of the same chemicals in your brain as kissing someone does. So, if you and your date partake in a reasonable amount of alcohol your brains will enjoy it that much more if you give them a goodbye kiss.

But, as I'm sure most people have learned at one time or another, getting too sloppy and intoxicated can ruin any good kiss, so be sure to enjoy beverages in moderation.

Tilt your head the right way


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If you've ever tilted the wrong way when going in for a kiss, you've probably experienced one really awkward moment. But, it turns out more than often, the correct way to tilt your head when going in for a kiss is to the right.

A study found the two-thirds of people tilt their heads to the right when going in for a kiss. So, while it's not an exact science, teaching yourself to go in for the kiss that way will help eliminate some awkward forehead bonking.

Get your timing right


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While you may be able to kiss and make up after a fight, catching someone on a bad day will make the kiss less than satisfying.

Kissing someone in a stressful, upsetting or strange environment makes it less likely that they'll enjoy the kiss. That's because of a pesky hormone called cortisol that will inhibit your ability to enjoy a big smooch.

So, if you're wanting to plant one on your partner, best to wait until you're both calm and happy.

Check your breath


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It's best to keep your teeth and oral health nice and up to date anyway, but if you're planning on kissing a woman, this becomes even more important.

Women pay more attention to someone's breath when they're kissing and some bad breath will turn them off faster than it would a man. Women in scientific studies took breath into account more often than men did as a factor of enjoying a kiss.

But for everyone's sake, maybe pop a mint before you pucker up? Even the men will probably appreciate that.

Get more aggressive if you're kissing a guy


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While women may prefer fresher breath, it seems what men want is a little open mouth action. Apparently men prefer an "open mouth" and more aggressive kissing style.

This may be apparently linked to the fact that there is evidence that saliva contains a high level of testosterone, Helen Fisher, a Biological Anthropologist from Rutgers University told Wired.

"There's evidence that saliva has testosterone in it, and there's also evidence that men like sloppier kisses with more open mouth," Fisher said. "That suggests to me that they are unconsciously trying to transfer testosterone to trigger the sex drive in women."

So feel free to get into it, just maybe don't slobber on the guys.

Tone it down if you're kissing a woman


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Everyone has a personal preference, but if you're going in for a kiss with a woman, at least start slow.

A study showed that women don't really love a tongue being stuck down their throats and preferred a less-aggressive kiss. They focused on the romance of the kiss so try and make it passionate but not sloppy.

So, if you would describe your kissing as "jamming" or "lunging," you may want to tone it down a bit.

Get into it


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Don't be afraid to give it your all. People can tell when you're not into it and that's going to reflect in your kiss.

People respond better when you're mirroring their tempo and style of kissing. So, as much as they're probably knocking your socks off, it pays off to pay attention.

Kissing has historically been known as a way to choose a potential partner so start showing that you're an attentive partner early by showing it off in your kiss.

Read more here: https://www.insider.com/how-to-kiss-better-2017-6#make-it-memorable-8