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How Should I Act After a Kiss?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

In essence, there is no correct way to respond or react after a kiss, in particular a romantic kiss. Kissing is an intimate and personal experience. Typically, your response will be determined by a few aspects. If the kiss is unwanted, you may want to avoid embarrassment and avoid hurting the other's feelings, while at the same time not mislead the other person.

Knowing how to avoid awkwardness and act naturally after a kiss may seem like a very simple concept, but for the young or inexperienced, it may take a bit of practice. Regardless of experience or age, there may be awkward moments, and how you should act depends upon several factors. Your feelings for the person you've kissed should determine your response.

Response to a kiss is guided by feelings for the other person.
Response to a kiss is guided by feelings for the other person.

In the case of a casual first date, your reaction will most likely be a positive or negative response. Assuming you are attracted to the person and want to convey those feelings, a simple gesture such as a soft smile or eye contact after a kiss might be all you need to do. Just as important is knowing what not to do. If you enjoyed the kiss, saying something silly or giggling will probably not get the message across.

Following one's heart is often the best way to act after a kiss.
Following one's heart is often the best way to act after a kiss.

If you didn't enjoy the kiss and do not want to encourage anything more, try to be as tactful as possible. Your common sense will probably lead you in the correct path, and prevent you from making a brutally honest comment that would deflate his or her ego and cause hard feelings. If you're uninterested, gently step back in a subtle manner.

Other circumstances may cause awkward moments after a kiss. For instance, if two people who have been involved in a platonic relationship for some time, awkwardness can result when one person suddenly makes intimate advances. If you are merely friends, a spontaneous kiss may catch you by surprise. Your feelings, especially if they've changed, will dictate how you may react after kissing a friend.

You shouldn't over-think your reaction after a kiss, just go with the moment and follow your natural instincts.
You shouldn't over-think your reaction after a kiss, just go with the moment and follow your natural instincts.

Maybe your friend's kiss will be intimate and suggestive, yet you are uncertain of your feelings. In this case, it's best to be honest by explaining your uncertainty. You should, however, avoid any drama or awkwardness by keeping it casual and light. There will be time to talk things over later.

Regardless of the nature of a relationship, it's not a good idea to over-think how you will react after a kiss. Don't put the emphasis on yourself or how you are meant to react. Go with the moment, follow your heart and listen to your natural instinct.

Discussion Comments

dega2010

I had a guy friend when I was fourteen years old. We were the best of friends and it was a strictly platonic relationship. We went everywhere together. We hung out during the week and on weekends. It was never even an option that we would ever be more than friends.

We had been best friends for about four years when he finally decided he wanted to kiss me. I think we were both about seventeen by then. We were playing a game of Scrabble and he just leaned over and kissed me. I didn't know what to do but I knew it kind of felt right!

To make a long story short, that kiss led to us becoming more than just best friends. We have now been married for three years and we have one child. And all of that was from an innocent game of Scrabble!

GardenTurtle

@cmsmith10- I kind of agree with you. If a kiss is unwanted, it should definitely be made known. If the kiss was from a seemingly innocent, shy person who just had a little crush, I wouldn't want to intentionally hurt their feelings.

However, if the unwanted kiss was from someone doing it to be mean or spiteful, I would definitely let them know that it will be reported if they do it again.

I guess I just assume we are talking about school-age people. But even if we are talking about adults, an unwanted kiss should not be acceptable.

cmsmith10

I agree with the writer of this article. There is not set way to act after getting kissed. However, if the kiss was unwanted, I don't think that you should worry about hurting the other person's feelings. You should let them know that it would be in their best interest to never do that again.

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    • Response to a kiss is guided by feelings for the other person.
      By: auremar
      Response to a kiss is guided by feelings for the other person.
    • Following one's heart is often the best way to act after a kiss.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Following one's heart is often the best way to act after a kiss.
    • You shouldn't over-think your reaction after a kiss, just go with the moment and follow your natural instincts.
      By: Artem Furman
      You shouldn't over-think your reaction after a kiss, just go with the moment and follow your natural instincts.
    • Kissing is an intimate and personal experience.
      By: prudkov
      Kissing is an intimate and personal experience.
    • A response to a kiss might depend on the setting.
      By: berc
      A response to a kiss might depend on the setting.