In the next 30 seconds, you're about to be kissed. Do you know what to do?

Girls' Life, Oct-Nov, 2003 by Jodi Bryson

It's the moment you've been dreaming about ... and dreading. A guy is about to kiss you. Yay, he's giving you that vibe! And ... oh, crap, he's giving you that vibe! So now what? Lean in? Close your eyes? Flip your hair, then wink at him like the Doritos girl?

Wouldn't it be swell if someone would give you the lowdown on how to handle your first (and second and third) smooch? No sweat--GL is here to help you through this. There are probably things you already know (a French kiss means tongues are touching.). But we also have lots of answers to smooch stuff you're unsure about (it's not weird to keep your eyes open during a kiss). Read on for everything you ever wanted to know about kissing--lips, breath, hands, tongues, teeth and even (ew!) saliva. It's lip service about lip service. Mwah!

How to Kiss

Before the kiss, and immediately after the kiss, is just as much a part of the kiss as your guy's lips.

Here are the basis for a mellow, yummy kiss.

Before the Kiss

LOOK AT HIM. Eye contact isn't always easy. You're nervous, you like him, maybe you're even a little self-conscious about your lip gloss or your breath. Please, stop thinking for a few long seconds and just look at him, this adorable boy, right in front of you. When you look into a guy's eyes, you're giving him the green light that you are into it.

TURN TOWARD HIM. Whether standing or sitting, you want to angle yourself so that your body is toward him, not just your face. Keep your hands out of your pockets and arms unfolded. Avoid fidgety behavior, like twirling a strand of hair or, way worse, biting your nails. Relaxed, open body language can be a very effective non-verbal invitation for him to lean in and smooch.

LEAN IN TO HIM. Even if it's super subtle, try to lean in a little and get as close to him as possible. When kissing you is on a guy's mind, he'll appreciate the friendly geographical adjustment.

The Kiss

KISS HIM BACK. A kiss shouldn't start with an instant open mouth. First contact is simply touching mouths, then responding slightly. Think of it as a peck, but in super-slow motion.

CHART OUT THE NEW TERRITORY. Kiss the top of his top lip, the edge of his bottom lip, lightly, softly you're in no rush.

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TONGUE. OK, here's the part where less is more. He might jab his tongue into your mouth; he might keep it in his. Whatever he does, you can follow his lead (if you want to), but never, ever stick your tongue deeply into his mouth (refer to "Yucky Kisses," next page). P.S.--Breathe! Through your nose or mouth. Both work.

TOUCH HIM WITH YOUR HANDS. A girl can't go wrong by placing one hand gently on the back of his neck, the other band softly on the side of his face. Sure, there's a lot to think about, but you can move your hands, too. Touch his hair, his ear, his shoulder ... gently. If you're really comfy with him, you can wrap your arms around his neck and pull yourself closer. Nice.

After the Kiss

THE BREAKAWAY. If the guy has his tongue in your mouth (and you're OK with that), you don't want to just yank away from him. So keep meeting his lips with your lips, then pull away ever so slightly--enough to get his tongue back in its cage--and repeat the gentle kiss of just your lips touching, the slo-mo peck.

LOOK AT HIM. The post-kiss gaze--sounds cheesy, but that's what it is--is an affirmation that you did or didn't like it. However silly it sounds, you can tell him with your eyes how you felt about the kiss ... which could get you another one, if you're into it!

KEEP YOUR HANDS ON HIM. You've just bonded with him, so it's perfectly lovely for you to keep your hand on his shoulder or softly touching his neck. Again, this could get him to lean in for round two.

Types of Kisses

Yummy Kisses!

Want to know what kinds of kisses rule? Kissing class is now in session....

THE BIG LITTLE The value of a quick peck should never be underestimated. Whether on his lips or his cheek, a Big Little is a great way to show affection and tell a guy you're interested!

THE BUTTERFLY KISS Want to send the ultimate "kiss me!" signal? Lean in and ever-so-slightly touch his cheek with your cheek. Then see if you can graze his cheek with your eyelashes. Don't be too obvious--it's just like you're brushing up against him. Nice to do on the dance floor.

THE SOFT SERVE A soft, slo-mo peck is about as delicious as kisses come. A kiss doesn't need to be two people playing tongue hockey for it to be wonderful.

THE TRIPLE CROWN This is a succession of Soft Serves. Instead of planting just one slo-mo peck on him, hit him with three in a row. What you're doing is building steam ... until you get to the Full Symphony (see below).

THE FULL SYMPHONY French kissing, when done right, is like an epic dance move. This is, as you've surely already gathered, where your tongues get involved. But only if you're ready!

Yucky Kisses!

Here are the worst of me worst--and what to do if you get a kisser who fails into one of these categories.

THE DENTAL EXAM (a.k.a. The Oral-All-Over)

The Kiss: He's exploring your gums, teeth and entire mouth like his tongue has a dental camera on the tip of it. Yuck!