THE PERFECT KISS

TEN TIPS TO HELP YOU WITH THE FIRST KISS:

There's nothing better than a FIRST KISS. With that in mind, here are TEN TIPS to help you out this weekend . . . so you don't screw up your chances of getting a SECOND KISS.

#1.) MAKE IT HAPPEN. First dates are nerve-wracking, but don't be too aloof when it comes to the first kiss. That means you shouldn't pretend that you don't care about whether it happens or not . . . let your date know you're interested, but subtly.

#2.) LET HER MAKE THE FIRST MOVE. Guys, you should think about letting HER initiate things. If you're not sure whether she's open to a kiss, let her know you had a great time, tell her she looks beautiful, and stand close enough for her to make a move.--Only . . . if you wait for her to make a move without any indication that it's what YOU want too, you may be waiting for a long time. So try to strike a balance between eagerness and detachment.

#3.) TONGUE. Show restraint the first time. When you pull away from a first kiss, your date shouldn't have to wipe saliva off their face . . . so keep it neat and polite. You can use a LITTLE bit of tongue, but don't shove it in the other person's mouth.

#4.) BREATH. This one is a no-brainer. You should already be brushing and flossing daily, but lay off foods like garlic and onions if you're hoping to do some kissing later on. --At the same time, don't go overboard on the breath fresheners. Take advantage of the after-dinner mint or pop in a piece of gum as you're leaving the restaurant.

#5.) LIPS. Use lip balm to avoid dry or cracked lips. But ladies, don't wear too much lipstick or gloss, or the kiss could get too messy.

#6.) STUBBLE. Guys, don't subject your date's face to the sandpaper texture of your facial hair. Maybe that'll fly once you're dating, but not for a first kiss. So don't press your face to hers before considering exactly how clean-shaven you are.

#7.) GROPING. Unless it's been made VERY clear that the first kiss is the beginning of something more, keep your hands to yourself. Grabbing or squeezing ANYTHING is absolutely unacceptable. If you just HAVE to touch: Guys, try cupping her face with your hands. Ladies, wrapping your arms around him in an intimate hug is fine.

#8.) TIMING. A first kiss shouldn't be a surprise, so wait for the right moment. Make sure you've got your date's complete attention before leaning in. Pay attention to things like body language and eye contact, so you'll know when to make your move.

#9.) LOCATION. The lips work just fine. (--HI-YO!) Seriously, you need a distraction-free location for your first kiss. Do it in private without your friends watching . . . and judging. Don't try to force it. Wait until you're both in the right frame of mind.

#10.) Don't get your hopes up too high . . . it's just ONE kiss. (Canoe / Ask Men)