Nothing beats the magic of a great first date. That feeling of overcoming those first date nerves and making a genuine connection with someone new. But, when the end of the evening arrives and you’re reaching that tense yet wonderful moment where you might lock lips, you’re faced with a decision: Do you go in for the first date kiss or leave it be?
The next time you find yourself on the cusp of a first date kiss, it’s important to know that you have options. There are things you can do and look out for that might hint at the prospect of a kiss on the first date. And, if they pick up on your behaviors and reciprocate, that’s a great sign that a first date kiss is on the cards.
Still, there’s no one right answer. For millennial daters, kissing on the first date is something that’ll vary depending on individual circumstances, so let’s talk about your options and how to approach them.
Should You Kiss on the First Date?
Unsurprisingly, kissing on the first date attracts a variety of opinions. There’s no definitive answer to the question, “Should you kiss on the first date?” either, it really depends on the individual situation at the time. But, there are a few points to bear in mind that can help you to decide whether or not to go for that first date kiss.
1. Figure out if you’ve got chemistry
A great way to decide whether or not to kiss someone on a first date is to see what kind of chemistry you have together. Try out some memorable first date icebreakers and see how the conversation flows. If, at the end of the date, you feel like you’re both vibing and you’re genuinely attracted to the person, going in for that first date kiss is totally fine.
If the chemistry isn’t quite there, going in for the kiss might not be the best approach. But, what’s important is that you go with the flow, see how things pan out, and, ultimately, decide how you feel in the moment.
2. Pay attention to their body language
A great way to determine whether or not you should kiss on the first date is to pay attention to your date’s body language. Are they leaning in or encouraging some kind of intimacy? Are you making meaningful eye contact with one another? These things can be great for signifying that your date is open and up for engaging in that first date kiss.
3. Assess the situation
Knowing whether or not to engage in a first date kiss often depends on the specifics of the date that you’re on. Have you just met someone online on a dating app and are now out on a first date with them? Or, maybe you and the person in question are slow daters who prefer to spend more time getting to know each other before engaging physically? In these cases, your date might be a bit unsure about going in for a smooch right away.
On the other hand, if you’re out on a first date with someone you already know — maybe a friend of a friend you’ve been set up with — then kissing on the first date might not feel so daunting since you’re not complete strangers.
How to Kiss on the First Date: 3 Options on How to Approach It
There are a few different options when it comes to approaching the prospect of kissing on a first date. Below, we’ve outlined three of the main ones that you can try!
1. Go all in
Let’s say you’re feeling confident and decide to go for it. You had an exceptionally great time, the sort of first date that you can imagine telling your grandchildren about. In this case, it might be time to move in for the first date kiss, but you should also be tuned in to how the other person is reacting. If you read the signals right and they’re into it, they’ll kiss you back. If they hesitate, don’t force it. Pull back and reassess.
If you decide not to go in for the kiss, that’s okay. You can still convey your interest in them in other ways. If the chemistry is truly there, you’ll both feel it, and you’ll find yourselves on a second date. The chances of that one ending with a smooch are highly likely.
2. Go for the cheek or forehead
If you’re unsure about going all-in on that first time meeting up, that’s okay. A great alternative is to meet in the middle and go for a first date kiss on the cheek or forehead. It’s lighthearted but still shows that you’re interested.
Depending on how you execute it, a kiss on the cheek or forehead can be plenty flirty. Seductive, even. And these options are better than a handshake, which is a more formal alternative that might send the opposite message.
3. Go for permission
A third option is to ask permission. If you’re feeling a first date kiss, why not ask and find out if your date is too? People might say that asking is lame and kills the mood, but honestly, there’s nothing wrong with making sure you have consent to be intimate. Permission is sexy, people.
Remember, you’re still getting to know this person. The simple question, “Can I kiss you?” might seem goofy, but it shows respect. Plus, your date’s response will tell you exactly where you stand coming out of your first evening together.
Go With Your Gut
So, to kiss or not to kiss? Well, every situation is different. The best things to bear in mind when trying to figure out whether you should kiss on the first date are to:
1. Figure out if you’ve got chemistry
2. Pay attention to their body language
3. Assess the situation
4. Listen to your date
If going in for a first date kiss doesn’t quite feel right, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed as a couple. Sometimes it can be better to wait, build on your connection with one another and then really take their breath away with a great kiss next time around.
But, if you’re confident that a first date kiss would be well-received, there’s nothing wrong with going for it. The key is to trust your instincts and take the situation as it comes. Happy kissing!
