I’m a kissing expert and here’s what your smooching skills say about you
OUR first kiss is a rite of passage – and now scientists have found that smooching started in the Middle East as early as 4,500 years ago.
The earliest recorded kiss was in Mesopotamia – the historical region made up of present-day Iraq as well as parts of Iran, Kuwait, Syria and Turkey – according to a new study by Oxford University and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Scientists believe that when we kiss it reveals biological cues for compatibility, genetic fitness or general health.
And it turns out your smooching style can say a lot about your personality as well as your dynamic with partners.
Body language expert Judi James tells Emma Pietras how we let our lips do the talking . . .
Eyes closed
YOU adore milking as much as possible out of every sexual experience.
Closing your eyes allows you to focus on your senses and tune in without distraction.
You’re smart and also very clued up when it comes to your own desires as well as romantic, as this allows you to daydream as you kiss.
Pause and kiss
THIS can be a delayed gratification technique meaning you love to extend the passion for as long as possible, cooling down before heating up again.
Or you’re a total flirt. Alternating intense interest with moments of ignoring can make the other person do all the running to get you kissing again.
Kiss and nibble
THERE are thoughts that animals exchanging food via their mouths might have led to human kissing so this nibbling, nurturing kiss could link caring, protective love with signals of play as well as passion.
You’re confident and funny and a little into power and know how to make the most from a kiss.
Closed mouth
YOU can be reluctant when it comes to relaxing and sharing your true emotions but you are respectful of others’ privacy too.
You are thoughtful rather than reckless, good at planning and build-ups, although you might be seen as an over-thinker when it comes to your relationships.
Eyes open
IF you prefer eyes open to shut then you’re a pleaser who wants to read your partner’s emotions and level of enjoyment.
If you look away as you kiss you’re someone always eyeing the next experience.
Looking away can also hint that you are dissatisfied with your partner and in search of other options.
Open mouthed
IF you go straight in with your mouth wide open you’re decisive and demanding.
You lack any shyness or inhibitions and have a tendency to hate waiting for what you want.
Instant gratification is your thing, although a habit of avoiding commitment can make you seem rather “love ’em and leave ’em” at times.
Soft and passionate
THE way you love to take your time and be gentle suggests you are romantic and caring as well as an experienced lover.
Soft touches obtain the best sexual response from the nerve endings around the mouth and this can be a better turn-on than crushing the lips.
Vampire
YOU like to be seen as charming and sophisticated, with a hidden edge of danger.
You can have a narcissistic side and you’ll pride yourself on your seduction techniques that will give you a sense of power.
Neck kiss
THE neck is an erogenous zone and by focusing on it shows you mainly get off on watching your partner’s pleasure, rather than putting your needs first.
It is an intimate form of kissing that shows you like a little mystery in your love life.
Wild
WHEN you are kissing you launch off into space and any biting or screaming can show the animal side to your personality.
You love to control the action and can be accused of only thinking of your own pleasure when you have sex.