SEALED WITH A GOOD KISS

Think you have the proper technique for kissing? With Valentine’s Day on the horizon it couldn’t hurt to brush up on your kissing technique (even if it makes you feel silly). Lifestyle site Bustle. com suggests these tips:

1 Take your time Go slow, see, and ease your way into every smooch until you feel yourself settle down and get into the groove.

2 Use the right amount of pressure You have to use some pressure but not too much. For practice, use the back of your hand; try pressing your lips loosely against your hand, then pressing them forcefully. From there, try to find a middle-of-the-road level of firmness that feels just right.

3 Use your tongue wisely At first, best to keep the tongue out of it until things start to heat up. Focus more on the different ways you can kiss with just your lips — keeping your mouth closed, opening it slightly, intertwining your lips with your partners’, pouting your lips, etc. When it comes time to add some tongue, start gently touching your tongue to your partner’s. Imagine that your tongues are softly caressing each other. If you feel unsure about your technique, try practising on the back of your hand again. Give your hand a firm jab with your tongue, just to see how strong your tongue is. Then play away with different ways of moving your tongue across your skin.

4 Get your whole body involved Wrap your arms around your partner’s body, or stroke their arms, shoulders and back with your hands. Press your body up against theirs. Hold their face in your hands, or run your hands through their hair. You can also take little breaks from their lips to kiss their necks or ears. Use your body to create some variety.

5 Be a tease Some fun and easy techniques worth trying: Break away from a kiss and look your partner in the eye, with a sly smile Pull your lips away and gently stroke your partner’s lower lip with your thumb Keep your slightly open mouth close to theirs and breathe in and out together Brush your lips against your partner’s, without actually kissing them

6 Adapt your technique Pay attention to what your partner is doing and what they seem to respond to best and try to adapt your routine to theirs. If you’re unsure, say to them, “kiss me how you like to be kissed.” Make sure you have fresh breath, pucker up and seal your Valentine with a kiss.