Finding out that you’re a lousy kisser isn’t always pleasant, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Or perhaps the person you’re dating has poor kissing technique. There are numerous reasons why a kiss might go wrong and ruin a relationship, including physical issues like foul breath, inadequate technique, or just using too much tongue.

According to research, 60% of participants said they would break up with someone because they kissed poorly. Fortunately, kissing is something that can be improved, unlike many other dealbreakers. This article will first examine the warning indicators of a terrible kisser before discussing strategies to improve and how to correct a bad kisser.  

Indications that you may be a lousy kisser 

Although it may appear easy, kissing is a talent just like any other. Symptoms of a poor kisser include:  

You’re moving too quickly or too hard. 
No one likes to be screamed at, and kissing is a conversation. It’s ideal to start slowly and build up, especially if it’s your first kiss unless your partner has made it clear that they prefer a particular style. However, you should always make sure that you and your partner agree, regardless of where you are in the relationship. 

You’re not showing enough zeal.
Even while we all support being courteous, there is a limit to how constrained one can be. It’s assumed that you are kissing someone because you find them attractive, and vice versa; if this isn’t evident in your kiss, there is a problem.

You need to improve your technique.
Perhaps you’re biting too hard, tilting your head incorrectly, or using your tongue excessively. Kissing is a technique that requires practice and patience. It’s also critical to pay attention to the rest of your body, particularly your hands, and how and where you utilise them. 

You lack personal hygiene or have foul breath.
This one truly doesn’t need an explanation. Even if you don’t have to be perfect all the time, not doing simple things like taking a shower and cleaning your teeth can ruin a romance more quickly than anything else.  

How to avoid being a terrible kisser 

But do not despair. Like any other talent, kissing is something that can be learnt. Here are some tips for getting better at smooching:  

Pay attention to your partner. 
There’s a reason why mindfulness is becoming more popular: it greatly increases your enjoyment of the present moment. Kissing is no different. Reducing kissing to foreplay is a typical error; if you learn to enjoy it for what it is, it will become much more enjoyable.  

Get ready for it
It’s not a good idea to get hot and heavy the instant your lips meet, any more than it’s a bad idea to learn to swim by diving in headfirst. Start gently and observe your partner’s response; only proceed if they are interested.

Make use of your whole body.
It’s not only about your mouth when you kiss. Make good use of your hands by pulling your partner close, teasing them with gentle touches, or bracing them. This will bring a whole new level of complexity.

Get opinions!
Asking for assistance from a partner might be frightening, particularly if you’re already self-conscious about your kissing abilities. Do not let that deter you, though, as showing vulnerability will strengthen your bond and improve your kissing skills.  

Ways to assist a lousy kisser 

According to research cited by author Sheril Kirshenbaum in her book “The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us”, more than half of all respondents ended their relationships because their partners were poor kissers. Here are some strategies to gently encourage your partner to stop being a lousy kisser, but that is undoubtedly one possibility.  

Let them see your preferences.
Showing someone how to kiss is vital since sometimes a terrible kisser simply doesn’t know any better. Take the initiative, kiss them the way you want to be kissed, with more tongue or less, harder or gentler, and hope they receive the message.  

Mirror, mirror
Try using a more direct approach if being subtle doesn’t work. Instead of telling them outright that they’re lousy kissers, offer that you alternate kissing each other in the manner that suits you both. Hopefully, they will learn after you kiss them in your preferred manner a few times. 

Make use of your words.
Sometimes talking about something is more important than doing action. If you decide to choose this path, keep in mind that it’s always preferable to concentrate on the positive. Instead of concentrating on what they do incorrectly, discuss what you enjoy about them and what you would like them to do more. It’s crucial to be straightforward but kind. 

If you’re ready to put in the effort, there’s always room for development, so being a lousy kisser doesn’t mean that your relationship is doomed. However, there’s no shame in ending a relationship if you’re trapped with a lousy kisser because your kissing style simply doesn’t work.