• It’s easy AF to misread a kiss on the cheek or nose from that person you’ve lowkey got feelings for. But before you start attaching deep meanings, remember it could just be a platonic gesture showing they rate you. 

    If you’ve ever struggled to decode what a kiss means, this guide is all you need to understand the different types of kisses and what they mean.

    Forehead kiss

    Image: Aiteskitchen

    A forehead kiss feels intimate but in a sweet rather than romantic way. It conveys affection, understanding, trust, and care and can be shared with anyone close to you—partners, friends, parents, or children.

    Tip: A gentle forehead kiss can be comforting if you sense your partner is feeling low.

    Hand kiss

    Image: Aiteskitchen

    A kiss on the hand signals interest in starting a relationship and, in many cultures, shows respect and admiration.

    Tip: Kiss your partner’s hand mid-conversation to show you’re there for them.

    French kiss

    Image: Aiteskitchen

    The French kiss is all about intensity and passion. It’s typically shared between people who are deeply attracted or in love.

    Tip: Different people have unique preferences for a French kiss, so take time to learn your partner’s style and avoid dumping saliva in their mouths.

    Top-of-the-head kiss

    Image by Freepik.

    A kiss on the top of the head reassures the person receiving it. It’s often used by family members like parents, but can also be meaningful when shared with a partner.

    This kiss gives a sense of comfort and security. 

    Tip: To make the moment extra tender, hug your partner from behind and kiss the top of their head.

    Earlobe kiss

    An earlobe kiss is sensuous and usually meant to arouse your partner. 

    Tip: It gets ticklish, so you want to go slow and use less saliva. 

    Neck kiss

    This kiss usually implies sexual attraction and is shared by partners with deep attraction for each other.

    Tip: Try kissing along the nape and sides of your partner’s neck.

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    Nose kiss

    Image: Meta AI

    This kiss involves gently rubbing the tips of each other’s noses. It’s often shared in a playful, affectionate way and is a sweet gesture for both partners and kids.

    Tip: Watch out for head-bumping to avoid any awkward moments.

    Cheek kiss

    Image: Aiteskitchen

    A cheek kiss can mean many things, from a platonic greeting with friends or family to a gentle show of affection toward someone you’re interested in. It’s also a popular greeting among acquaintances in many cultures.

    Tip: If you’re wearing lipstick, be mindful when kissing someone on the cheek, especially in public, as it might leave a mark they don’t appreciate.

    Read this next: How to Make a Man Cry in Bed

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  • Unfortunately, not everyone is born a great kisser. It’s a skill some people have to develop and improve. So, if you’re one of those who want to become a better kisser, here are seven kissing techniques to level up your kissing game. 

    Good breath is holy

    You don’t want to be kissing someone with a smelly breath. It leaves a wrong first impression, and they’ll never want to try it again. You do want to make sure you have decent hygiene, brush your mouth twice a day and floss often. Also, little things like popping a mint in your mouth shortly before you go in for a kiss helps keep things fresh.

    Be comfortable 

    If you’re uncomfortable with the person you’re kissing, you probably shouldn’t be kissing them. If you’re nervous, you should do something to calm yourself down. Remind yourself that this is someone you actually want to be kissing. You can also sing a little song or do what calms you on a regular day. If you’re too nervous or anxious, it can ruin the mood. Plus, you may weird your partner out. 

    Suck lips. Don’t swallow 

    When people say they want to swallow someone, it’s a joke, abeg. Please, the lips are not for swallowing. They’re for nibbling and sucking on. NOT SWALLOWING. If you want to swallow, try pounded yam

    RELATED: QUIZ: We Can Guess When You Had Your First Kiss

    Move your arms around (with permission)

    Nobody wants a stoic kisser. Hold their face, their hands, their waist, something. But before you hold them, let them know. Ask for their permission so you don’t freak them out. You don’t want a slap to be what breaks the kiss. 

    Try not to stare 

    Because you’re not a creep. The expected behaviour when kissing someone is to have your eyes closed. If, for some reason, your eyes are open, try not to make it weird. If you’re staring at them like that, they’d be able to tell because your eyes will be poking holes in their skin. 

    Don’t think about it too much 

    The problem is when you start analysing every aspect of the kiss. Relax into it and have fun. 

    Ask questions 

    Feedback improves service, so don’t be afraid to ask the people you kiss what you think can be done differently. Their feedback can help you in the long run. 

    RELATED: 12 Nigerians Talk About Their Worst Kissing Experience

  • Do people forget your lips the moment you’re done kissing them, or have you blessed many people with the best kiss of their lives? Well, this quiz is here to tell you if you’re truly a flawless kisser or an absolutely terrible one.

    Take it to find out: