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Most women don't get enough kisses, according to expert

Kisses are better than candy on Valentine's or any day

By MARTY MORRISON

Date published: 2/13/2004

By MARTY MORRISON

Pucker up and kiss your Valentine.

Most of us don't get enough smackaroos.

That's the word from kissing guru Michael Christian, who makes his living teaching people how to kiss.

"Kissing brings two people close to one another," said Christian. "It's a expression of love and affection. It sets the tone of the relationship and continues as a nonverbal way of communicating."

Christian is author of "The Art of Kissing," a-smooch-and-tell instructional guide. He also lectures at 30 colleges around the country.

His Web site, kissing.com, answers frequently asked questions, surveys Internet users and promotes his DVDs and books.

If his survey of Internet users is any indication, guys might want to plant a big one on their honeys today and every day.

Three out of four women say they want more kisses in their relationships, said Christian. Many say kisses are more intimate than sex.

Men like French kissing; so do women if they don't get "too much tongue."

Christian never aimed to be a kissing expert. He taught English at Boston College for 14 years and discovered students were fascinated with the subject.

He wrote the book in 1991 under the pen name William Cane. The next thing he knew, he got calls from colleges and television and radio stations asking advice. Three years ago, he left teaching to go on the lecture circuit full time.

At colleges, he solicits students to demonstrate the 30 romantic kisses.

"I've got kids lining up at every show," he said.

It may seem elementary, but Christian said people--adults included--want to know how to give the perfect kiss.

"Kissing satisfies an oral desire like eating," Christian said. "It's one of our favorite pleasures. It feels good."

They also want advice on the first kiss and French kissing.

On the first question, he suggests waiting for a time when you feel a connection.

"Get close. Brush your partner's hair aside. If he accepts that, then it's an invitation," Christian said.

For those who need lip-by-lip instruction on the French kiss, he's created a DVD that takes its viewers inside a mouth to show how the tongue should move.

Executed well, he said, it can produce great dividends. It's the most intimate of kisses.

"The French kiss can bring you closer than the act of sex," Christian said.

A good kiss beckons more to come. A bad one can send the other person running.

His advice before you prepare for an attempt at tonsil hockey:

Make sure you have a nice-tasting mouth. You can accomplish that by eating an apple or drinking a soda.

Close your eyes when you kiss. Two out of three people prefer closed eyes.

Women frown on fish-mouth suction where the kisser clamps his mouth over hers.

Men should shave before kissing. Most women want to brush against a clean-shaven face.

As for lipstick, the majority of men surveyed say that's OK-- especially if it's flavored.

To reach MARTY MORRISON: 540/374-5423 mmorrison@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 2/13/2004