Handshake it, Hug it, or Kiss it?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie) & Va Va Voom (Katrina)

How do you handle that first meeting or approach your close friends at a social gathering?  Do you give a handshake, a hug or a double cheek air kiss?  We all have those questions floating through our minds, but it’s usually too late to think about our next move in the middle of such a dilemma.  Is it the same for everyone?  If I kiss her will she think I am crazy?  Is she expecting a kiss?  If I don't hug him will he think I don't like him?  Who leans in first?  Will her husband get mad if I kiss her on the cheek?  Do you give a woman a firm handshake too?  These are just a few questions that race through our brains when meeting or greeting others.  Who hasn't been in that uncomfortable social situation, whether you meet someone for the first time, see old acquaintances or visit old friends…do we handshake, hug or double cheek kiss?  Feel out the situation.  You don’t want to throw out a double cheek kiss when meeting a client or entering a conference with your boss.  Again, take into account the situation.  Handshakes are appropriate to formal meetings and business events.  Hugs are meant for acquaintances or well-known friends and family. 

In one small but strong word, confidence!  Be yourself!  You make up the rules.  Nowadays, when no one does the same thing, you can start a new trend.  You don’t want others to feel uncomfortable, so if you give a hug to the first person, make sure you do the same for everyone in the group.  Don’t let someone feel left out by receiving a hug or double kiss.  Whether you handshake, hug or kiss, make no excuses, own your actions.  If you are a woman and meeting friends with their spouses, kiss everyone (on the cheek).  Better to love than not to love.  If you are a man, play it safe with direct eye contact and a firm handshake to everyone, including the ladies.  We women are not only judging the size of your hand but the firmness too!  To put it simply, if you like someone, kiss them on the cheek, if they slap the other cheek, then they have no love, and who needs them.  Always make sure the kiss on the cheek is sweet and quick, never wet!  And if you are want to show your saucy edge, go for the double cheek air kiss with a hug. 

Sassy Kisser v. Saucy Kisser

Are you a sassy kisser or a saucy kisser?  What’s the best way to approach that first kiss or keep your kisses saucy even after 10 years of marriage?  It isn’t about keeping that fresh first kiss (as most of us will never forget it) but it is about developing your kisses, and relationship, as your time matures with your loved one.  Kissing is a true art form that very few master. You may ask why so few master this crucial art of kssing?  The joke is that most people think they are amazing kissers, ha, dream on!  How many of us can look back into our past and remember an old boy/girlfriend that was a horrible kisser?  I can!  The old saying, practice makes perfect!  Kissing is a form of communication, a great form by the way!  If your partner does not say you are a good kisser, it is time to change. Here is the key, never ask what you are doing wrong; only ask what you can do better.  What are you lacking?  Never tell your loved one they are bad, it will lead to a fight, tell them what they can improve.  A great way is to try three different kissing techniques, which you can easily find in any romantic movie!  Try the three and then ask which they preferred, and vice versa.

Rule of kissing: passion, confidence and dimmed lighting make the best kissing moments! 

There are many ways to kiss unfortunately most of them are wrong so here are a few examples to help you out.

The best type of kissing should never be planned.  Kissing needs to be passionate, spontaneous and different every time!

“Her kisses left something to be desired... the rest of her.” ~Unknown

The Bad Kissers

“A man's kiss is his signature.” ~Mae West

The surprise attacker~

Your special someone practically ambushes and smothers you with kisses, making you completely unprepared.  This makes for a miserable first kiss and most likely the last kiss.

The wet dog~  

This person does not come up for air as they continuously swish their tongue around your teeth and tongue practically choking you. Don't get me wrong tongue is important when kissing but use it sparingly

The awkward kisser~
They just don't know what to do, where to put their hands, where to tilt their head or even when to stop. People would rather remember one short amazing kiss rather than twenty minutes of bad kissing!

“Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.” ~Albert Einstein

The ego kisser~

They think they are God’s gift to the world and often try to point out what you're doing wrong.  In reality it's their problem. Well it's time to burst their bubble; everyone needs to learn from their mistakes.

The heavy breather~

Okay, I agree it that some heavy breathing is important while kissing, but remember, this may worry your significant other you're having a heart attack!  Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth in between kisses

Now for the Good Kissing…

The passionate kisser~

If you have no passion for kissing, don’t do it.  If you think kissing is not important in a relationship you’re misinformed.  The passionate kisser mixes it up… they hold you right, they kiss you on your neck and your collarbone; all the right places and they know where to properly put their hands.

“I kiss without a hug is like a flower without fragrance.” ~Proverb

A good kiss should be like a good sip of wine, with age it becomes better. So practice, practice, practice!

“I kiss it speaks volumes is seldom a first edition.” ~Claire Whiting

A good kiss should be sweet, not too long, not too wet and you must savor every moment.

“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” ~Ingrid Bergman

Here is a sign you are a great kisser…when at the end of the kiss, your partner smiles sweetly back at you.

“Kissing is like drinking salt water. You drink and your thirst increases.” ~Chinese proverb