First Kiss: Tips for Students

In middle school, teenagers begin to actively socialize with one another, and many experience their first crushes. These new feelings can be both thrilling and intimidating, especially when it comes to dating and kissing. If you're ready to take this step, use our tips to make your first kiss special.

How to Start a Relationship

Step 1. Decide Who You Want to Date.

Think about who you would like to date. In middle school, many teens kiss their partners or during games. Here are some ideas for finding your significant other:

• Consider who you like. If you feel excited around this person and dream of spending time together, it may be a sign of a crush.
• If you don't see anyone among your acquaintances, try joining clubs or classes where you can meet new people.
• If you're asked out, don't hesitate to say yes, even if you have doubts. Spending time together can help you understand if there's mutual attraction.

Step 2. Determine if Your Feelings Are Mutual.

Try to figure out if your feelings are reciprocated. Knowing this will boost your confidence. Signs that someone likes you include:

• They often seem nervous around you;
• They try to make a good impression;
• They show interest in your hobbies;
• They regularly like your posts on social media;
• They frequently text you;
• They glance at you while you talk or in class.

Step 3. Invite Them Out.

Don't be afraid to take the initiative if your crush isn't making the first move. It may seem scary, but sometimes that's how you get what you want.

• Freshen your breath with gum before the conversation.
• Find a moment when you can talk privately to avoid pressure from friends.
• Try to relax and not overthink the situation. Say something like, "Want to go to the movies?" or "Let's meet after class?".
• Personally invite the person. Don't leave notes or ask friends to do it for you.

Step 4. Take Your Time.

Sometimes just inviting someone out or accepting their invitation is enough to start a relationship. It's important to take things slowly:

• Find time to talk and get to know each other better;
• Hold hands;
• Spend time together a few times a week (like going bowling or having lunch together).

How to Make Your First Kiss Special

Step 1. Assess Your Readiness.

It can be hard to know if you're ready for your first kiss. Ask yourself a few questions:

• Do you often want to kiss your partner?
• Do you feel attracted to them?
• How comfortable do you feel around them?
• Does the thought of kissing excite you?
• If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, then you're ready for your first kiss!

Step 2. Signal Your Readiness.

If you're ready for your first kiss, you can either take the initiative or wait for your partner to make the first move. If you choose the latter, you can send signals:

• Hug your partner and lean into them;
• Look into their eyes;
• Smile;
• Find reasons to get closer;
• Play with your hair—this can be a sign of flirting.

Step 3. Pay Attention to Your Partner's Signals.

If you want to take the initiative, carefully observe your partner's signals that they are also ready for a kiss:

• They look you in the eyes and don't look away;
• They find reasons to get closer or touch you;
• They compliment you;
• They blush or laugh often around you;
• They constantly chew gum.

Step 4. Find the Right Time and Place.

Many prefer to kiss in private, so choose a moment when it would be appropriate. Avoid kissing in the hallway during class breaks! Here are some popular places for first kisses:

• bowling alley;
• movie theater;
• school dance;
• on a field trip;
• at summer camp;
• on the bus.

Step 5. Gather Your Nerves.

Many feel nervous before a kiss, but it's important to stay calm to avoid sweating and anxiety. Here are some tips to help you relax:

• Plan the time and place.
• Don't rush. If you're not ready yet, it might be a sign to wait a little longer.
• Don't overthink the moment. If someone is nervous, they're likely to exaggerate its importance, which only increases anxiety. Make a plan and try not to think about the kiss until you're ready.

Step 6. Express Your Intentions.

Sometimes it's hard to know what your partner wants, so it's best to ask them directly:

• Say, "Can I kiss you?" or "I think this is a great moment for a kiss."
• Don't worry that asking might ruin the moment. Your partner will appreciate your thoughtfulness and desire to make it special.

Step 7. Go for the Kiss.

If both partners are ready, don't delay the kiss! Sit or stand close enough to reach each other easily. Look into your partner's eyes and tilt your head slightly to the side. When they do the same, close your eyes and kiss.

• Gently press your lips together and lean in softly but confidently.
• Close your eyes before the kiss to avoid any doubts about your sincerity.

Kiss Games

Step 1. Spin the Bottle.

Kissing games at a party are a great way to kiss someone from your group or your crush if you're unsure about their feelings. Here's how to play Spin the Bottle:

• Gather in a circle of four to six people.
• Place an empty bottle in the center of the circle.
• Choose someone to spin the bottle first. When it stops, the neck will point to someone to kiss.
• After that, the person who kissed spins the bottle, and the game continues.

Step 2. Seven Minutes in Heaven.

In this game, two people are chosen to spend seven minutes in a room together and kiss during that time.

• Sit in a circle and place a bottle in the center.
• Choose someone to spin the bottle. When it stops, the bottom and neck will point to two people.
• Those two go to another room for seven minutes, after which the game continues.

Step 3. Breathe In and Out.

In this game, participants pass a small piece of paper to each other using only their lips. Here's how to play:

• Sit in a circle, alternating boys and girls.
• Take a small piece of paper, like a business card. The first player presses the paper to their lips and inhales to keep it from falling.
• Then they turn to the left and press the paper to the lips of the second participant, who must inhale to keep it from falling.
• The game continues until someone drops the paper. After that, the two who dropped it must kiss.