“Kissing is the most difficult sex act to get right.” – Laurie J Watson PhD, LMFT, LPC

According to a study of 900 kissing couples from Oxford University, researchers found that we use kissing to assess a partner, gain arousal and keep our partner. Women tend to place a greater importance on kissing as related to feelings of attachment and men tend to use kissing to gain sexual arousal. With New Year’s Eve coming up, Psychology Today’s Laurie Watson has proposed instructions for the PERFECT New Year’s Eve Kiss.

1. Don’t miss the kiss! Whatever you do when you are at the party with your partner, do be aware that the first New Year’s Eve kiss should go to your partner and no one else.
2. Smile at your partner and look them in the eyes. Do let this moment signify a new beginning, kiss with intention!
3. Reach for your partner’s face. Touching the face not only prevents bumping noses, but it’s a romantic, intimate touch sanctioned for the public view.
4. Tilt your head. Lean the head to the side to signify a passionate kiss about to land. Don’t be stiff, self-conscious or anxious. No one is watching you; they are all having their moment, too.
5. Close your eyes and give in to the moment!
6. Start with slightly parted lips. Introduce your tongue secondarily after a few nibbles. Know your partner’s meeting point. Don’t stop too soon!
7. Pull your partner toward your body. Remembering you’re still in public, let your bodies’ closeness promise lovemaking to come 😉

Remember that kissing is an art form and doing it ‘right’ is different for everyone.

This article was taken and modified from a article originally published by Psychology Today on Dec 26th, 2015.