First Date Kissing: Tacky or Totally Acceptable?

Swedish Golden Screen siren Ingrid Bergman once said, “A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.”

There are members of American society who think a woman initiating a first date kiss means she’s “easy.” On the same token, a man who does the same is seen as “aggressive.” This slice of the American pie is stuck in the dark ages. It’s completely acceptable to kiss on the first date.

Note: It is not acceptable to have sex on the first date, and we will get to that in a future post.

People go on dates because they are looking for a potential partner. Part of that search includes an emotional connection and intimacy. Where would we be without the simple joy of a kiss?

Another of my favorite quotes about kissing is by Scottish satirical writer Thomas Carlyle. “If you are even in doubt as to whether to kiss a pretty girl, always give her the benefit of the doubt.”

For men who have a hard time determining when it’s appropriate to kiss a woman on the first date, they need to pay attention to body language. If she’s smiling politely and has her body moved away from yours as if in defense, don’t go in for the smooch. If she has an ear-to-ear grin plastered on her face and has touched your shoulder and back a few times, then go for it.

Don’t expect tongue. Actually, don’t even try for tongue. Just give her a gentle kiss — holding her face while you do — and then look her in the eyes and say, “I’ve had a lovely time.” Tell her you’ll call her and actually call her! This is the formula to ensure you will get a kiss on a second date and a third and a fourth.