Valentine’s Day: The beauty of a perfectly imperfect first kiss

Valentine’s Day is almost here, which means hearts, chocolates, flowers - and for some of us - the possibility of a first kiss.

Or maybe your second, third, or “let’s pretend we didn’t overthink that one” kiss. And let me tell you, first kisses are never like the movies. They’re often messy, awkward and absolutely unforgettable.

My first proper kiss happened behind the tuck shop. I told the guy I’d kissed a boy before. Lie. I hadn’t. And yes, I may have gone a little… fast. Movies never warn you about pacing, breathing, or what to do with your hands.

One moment you’re leaning in, the next you’re panicking about whether your teeth are colliding. But the thing is, it didn’t matter. That kiss slapped. Perfectly messy, wildly exciting, and exactly the kind of “first kiss” story you remember forever.

That’s the thing about first kisses, they don’t have to be perfect. They’re supposed to be a little reckless and little awkward.  And if your knees don’t wobble or your brain doesn’t briefly short-circuit, did it even count?

Here is a quick guide to surviving awkward romance:

1. Don’t overthink it

Your brain will try to choreograph the kiss like it’s a rom-com finale. Ignore it. Overthinking leads to poked eyes, flailing hands and awkward lip collisions.

Focus on the moment: lean in, close your eyes, and let it happen naturally. It’s okay if your lips don’t align perfectly or if you’re both awkwardly shuffling, those little imperfections are what make it memorable.

2. Forget the fake stories

You don’t need to pretend you’re an expert kisser. Confidence is far sexier than faking experience. Telling someone you’ve kissed dozens of people before when you haven’t? Unnecessary. Confidence alone works wonders.

3. Mind the pace

A first kiss isn’t a sprint. Think of it as a dance: sometimes slow, sometimes a little fast. The vibe matters more than the technique.

4. Lean into the awkward

Bumping noses, smudged lipstick, hands in weird places, let it happen. It’s all part of the story you’ll laugh about later. 

5. Remember, it’s just a kiss

I know this sounds crazy because the kiss can determine whether you want to continue this vibe. But, keep it simple. No surprise tongue attacks, no dramatic swoons, no overthinking. A kiss is just a kiss, and sometimes the simplest ones slap the hardest.

6. Breathe, please

This sounds obvious, but when nerves kick in, people forget basic human functions. Don’t hold your breath like you’re about to dive into a swimming pool.

Take a breath, relax your shoulders, and let the moment flow. Nothing kills a kiss faster than looking like you’re kissing Edward from the "Twilight" movie.

7. Read the room

Not every moment needs to be a movie scene. If the vibe is off, it’s off. If they’re leaning away, stiff, distracted, or giving “I’m just here for the free dessert” energy, take the hint. Don’t force your wors, as they say. Romance should feel natural, not like you’re trying to convince someone to kiss you out of pity.