How to Kiss Your Boyfriend Gently

Co-authored by Imad Jbara and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: March 20, 2023 Approved

Kissing your boyfriend gently is a great way to show your affection for him without being too forward. In fact, giving your boyfriend a gentle kiss shows that you are comfortable with him and with your relationship. ^{[1]
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Research source} You can kiss him gently on the lips, of course, as well as other places, like the cheek, neck, or shoulder.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Setting the Mood

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Keep your breath fresh and your lips soft . If you plan on kissing your boyfriend, you’ll want to have fresh breath. Before a date or whenever you know you’ll be alone together, take the time to brush your teeth, use mouthwash, eat a breath mint, or chew some gum. You should also use lip balm regularly to keep your lips soft and hydrated. ^{[2]
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- Don't use lip gloss, as it is not the same as lip balm. While lip balm absorbs into your lips and makes them soft, lip gloss sits on your lips. The sticky texture may be a turn-off.
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Pick a moment when you have privacy. Public displays of affection can make people feel uncomfortable, so it’s a good idea to wait until you are alone with your boyfriend to kiss him. Even if you only have a few minutes alone together before school or after practice, you can make them count by giving him a gentle kiss. ^{[3]
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- This doesn't mean that you have to wait until you are completely alone in your room. An empty hallway or a quiet park would be just fine!
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Give him a sincere compliment . ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Imad Jbara
Dating Coach

Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.} Complimenting your boyfriend will make him feel good about himself! Speak softly so he has to lean in a bit to hear you, and make sure to say something you honestly believe, rather than making something up. ^{[5]
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- For instance, you could say, “I really admire the way you take care of your siblings,” or, “You did an amazing job at band rehearsal today.”
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Break the touch barrier . ^{[6]
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Expert Source

Imad Jbara
Dating Coach

Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.} Before diving into a kiss, it’s a good idea to break the touch barrier and make sure he is comfortable first. Reach out to grab his hand, give him a hug, or snuggle in close to him. Watch his reaction to see if he’s ready to take things a step further. Remember that if he ever seems uncomfortable, pulls away, or asks you to stop, you should respect his wishes. ^{[7]
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- Be mindful of his body language while leading up to the kiss. People can change their minds or start feeling uncomfortable once things start to progress.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Kissing on the Lips

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Gaze into his eyes, then look at his lips. Look directly into your boyfriend’s eyes for a few seconds. If he returns the gaze, he probably wants to kiss you, too. Looking into each other’s eyes creates intimacy and helps people feel connected. Drop your gaze from his eyes to his lips slowly and lean in just a little bit. ^{[8]
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- This simple body language will cue him into your next move.
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Tug him gently closer to you. Don’t be rough or yank on him, just gently pull him closer. You can put your hands around his neck or on his chest. He may put his hands on your waist. Do whatever feels comfortable for you both, rather than worrying about what you “should” do. ^{[9]
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- Be mindful of his body language at this point. If he stiffens up or tries to pull away from you, he may not be feeling comfortable. Save the kiss for another time.
3
Tilt your head slightly and press your lips softly to his. Turning your head will prevent your noses from knocking together which could make this intimate moment awkward. Keep your lips soft and barely puckered. Don’t press too hard; use minimal pressure. ^{[10]
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- Again, try not to think too much about the motions. Let them come naturally.
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Pull away after a few seconds. A gentle kiss should be short and sweet. If he leans back in after you both pulled away a bit, then he probably wants to kiss you again. If you’re okay with that, lean in and give him another kiss. ^{[11]
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- Don't force another kiss on him, especially if he doesn't lean in for a second one.
- If you don't won't want a second kiss, give a gentle sign, such as leaning back, pulling away, or turning your face to the side. Shoving him away is not a good option.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Giving Other Kisses

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Press a gentle kiss to his forehead or cheek to show your adoration. Kissing isn’t just for lips! You can show your boyfriend affection by kissing him elsewhere, too. You can kiss him quickly and gently on his forehead or cheek to show much how much you like and appreciate him.
- For instance, if you are giving your boyfriend a hug goodbye, kiss him on the cheek before pulling away.
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Brush your lips against his neck or ear for a more intimate experience. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can kiss your boyfriend’s neck or ear. The skin in these areas is thin and sensitive, so be gentle. You could even lightly suck on his earlobe—just don’t slurp.
- For example, if the 2 of you are cuddling on the couch, snuggle into him and press a light kiss to his neck.
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Kiss him on the shoulder or chest to create a romantic moment. These kisses are loving and help you connect to your partner through physical touch. Brush your lips lightly against his chest or shoulder to show him how much you enjoy being with him.
- For instance, walk up behind your boyfriend and wrap your arms around him. Press a light kiss to his shoulder.
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Give him a butterfly or eskimo kiss to show your sweet side. A butterfly kiss is when you flutter your eyelashes lightly against his cheek. For an eskimo kiss, gently rub your nose back and forth against his nose. These sweet kisses are a great way to add some variety and affection into your relationship.
- For example, if you’re sitting next to your boyfriend, lean into him and flutter your eyelashes against his cheek.