Are kisses supposed to be wet?

Whether kisses are supposed to be wet or not is a common question for those exploring intimacy. The answer depends on personal preference and the type of kiss. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong when it comes to wet kisses – some enjoy the passion and intimacy they convey, while others may find them unpleasant. This article explores the purpose behind wet kisses, cultural perceptions, techniques to perfect them, and how to have a conversation with your partner about preferences.

Table of Contents

What is the purpose of a wet kiss?

A wet kiss, often referred to as a “French kiss”, involves using the tongue when kissing. The purpose is to increase passion and intimacy between partners. Reasons wet kisses are used include:

Increasing arousal – The texture and movement of tongues touching can heighten sexual tension and arousal.

Exploring intimacy – A wet kiss is a more intimate act, allowing partners to explore each other’s mouths.
Sharing affection – The open mouths and intimate nature convey a deeper sense of affection and connection.
Initiating foreplay – Wet kisses are often used to initiate sexual foreplay between partners as a prelude to sex.

Enhancing stimulation – The sensations can enhance physical stimulation and increase enjoyment of kissing and foreplay.

The increased passion of a wet kiss makes it a useful technique for couples looking to increase intimacy in their relationship. However, not everyone likes open-mouth kissing, so partners should discuss preferences.

Are wet kisses normal?

Wet, open-mouth kisses are very common practices in intimacy across many cultures worldwide. Some key points around the norms and perceptions around wet kisses include:

Most common in passionate situations – Wet kisses tend to be reserved for romantic or sexual encounters, rather than casual kisses between friends or family.
Traditional in many cultures – French kissing is common in Western cultures, while open-mouth kissing is also traditional in practices like Maori hongi greetings.
Not universally appreciated – While some cultures practice wet kissing commonly, others prefer dry kisses or see wet kisses as taboo.

Often initiated non-verbally – Rather than asking, wet kisses tend to naturally progress from closed mouth kisses as passion escalates.
Not appreciated by all – Individual perceptions vary, with some really enjoying wet kisses while others may dislike the sensation.

Overall, wet kisses are considered normal and natural displays of affection between romantic partners in many cultures. However, personal preferences may differ.

Do women like wet kisses?

Views on wet kisses vary greatly between individuals. However, some trends indicate many women enjoy passionate wet kissing:

Increased arousal – Many women report increased arousal, passion and physical stimulation from open-mouth kissing with tongues.
Prefer greater intensity – Surveys show women tend to prefer more intensity, tongue involvement and saliva exchange during kissing compared to men.

Higher appreciation of kissing – Studies show women generally rate kissing as more important in sexual satisfaction and relationships than men.
Key part of pre-sex foreplay – Wet kisses are commonly used by women during foreplay to help warm up before intercourse.
Not all enjoy it – While many women like wet kisses, others may find too much tongue or saliva unpleasant based on individual preferences.

Checking in with your partner and paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues can help determine if a woman is enjoying wetter, more passionate styles of kissing. Never making assumptions and establishing consent is key.

Can you get sick from wet kisses?

While wet kisses foster intimacy between partners, they do involve the exchange of bodily fluids which carries some infection risks:

Low contagion risk – Diseases rarely spread through kissing alone, though risks increase if partners have open sores or bleeding gums.

Saliva exchange – Wet kisses transfer higher volumes of saliva which contains bacteria and viruses.
Possible cold and flu transmission – Saliva carries rhinoviruses which can spread colds or flu between partners.
Higher risk of mono – The Epstein-Barr virus behind mono spreads readily through saliva during French kissing.

Low chance of meningitis transmission – Saliva contact could potentially spread bacterial or viral meningitis between partners.
Oral STIs – Gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes can transfer orally through French kissing.

While sickness risks from wet kissing are there, they are generally low for healthy individuals. Practicing good hygiene and not kissing when unwell can help reduce risks further. Those concerned may opt to limit open-mouth interactions.

Techniques for wet kisses

Mastering techniques for great wet kisses can enhance intimate experiences. Useful tips include:

Start slow – Begin with closed mouth kissing, gradually progressing to tongue involvement.
Find a rhythm – Move tongues in and out of each others mouths synchronized with the pace of kissing.

Use variations – Try alternately thrusting and massaging tongues together for diversity.
Use hands – Allow hands to caress faces, necks and bodies to heighten sensations.
Breathe through nose – Avoid holding breath to manage saliva flow and oxygen intake.

Match intensity – Reciprocate the speed and pressure your partner uses.
Stay present – Keep focus on sensations and reading partners signals.
Use lips – Purse and suck on lips gently between tonguing to mix things up.

Keep mouths active – Continued movement prevents stagnation and keeps passion flowing.
Use mouth exploration – Kiss, suck and lick areas like the neck and ears as well as lips.

Experimenting and communicating with your partner allows you to gauge positive reactions and perfect wet kiss techniques tailored to each other’s preferences.

How to talk about wet kiss preferences

As wet kissing is not universally appreciated, having open conversations about preferences allows partners to create mutually enjoyable intimate experiences:

Initiate outside the bedroom – Have the conversation during non-sexual moments to avoid pressuring your partner.
Use open questions – “How do you feel about wet kisses?” invites an open response vs closed questions like “you like wet kisses, right?”

Share your own views – Describing your own perceptions can encourage your partner to reciprocate.
Avoid judgement – Validate your partner’s perspective rather than shaming different comfort levels.
Discuss reasons if conflicting – If you have opposing views, dig into reasons behind perspectives.
Agree on boundaries – Come to a mutual understanding of when wetter styles are appreciated or unwanted.

Consent always – Any kissing should only occur with clear, ongoing enthusiastic consent from both partners.
Check-in while kissing – Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues during makeouts too.
Respect evolution – Preferences can change over time so check-in periodically as intimacy progresses.

Healthy couples prioritize open communication and informed consent around physical intimacy. By discussing wet kissing preferences candidly, partners can enjoy mutual satisfaction.

Do guys like wet kisses?

Generalizations around gender preferences can be problematic. However, some evidence indicates men have more diverse perspectives around wet French kissing:

Men who enjoy	Men who do not enjoy
Heightened arousal Pleasurable physical sensations Increased intimacy and passion Opportunity for oral sex initiation	Too much saliva unpleasant Perceived lack of hygiene Reduced oxygenation Difficulty coordinating tongues

While many men enjoy wet French kissing, those who do not often cite factors like excessive saliva or difficulty breathing. And others may fall somewhere along the spectrum of preferences. Discussing perspectives without judgement and respecting consent allows couples to create enjoyable intimate encounters.

Are wet kisses bad?

Labelling wet kisses as universally “bad” is an unhelpful value judgement. In reality, perspectives on open-mouth kissing fall along a spectrum with ample room for valid preferences:

Not objectively bad – No empirical evidence proves wet kisses are inherently problematic. Preferences are subjective.

Can foster intimacy – The passion and arousal facilitated by wet kisses are positive for many couples.
Valid not to enjoy – Disliking the sensation or messiness does not make someone wrong or “bad” at intimacy.
Better to discuss than judge – There are no absolute rights or wrongs, just opportunities for open communication.

Depends on consent – Wet kisses are only appropriate between interested partners with continual mutual consent.
Risk mitigation possible – Those concerned about sickness can limit fluid exchange and practice good hygiene.

Rather than judging wet kisses as good or bad, the healthiest lens is focusing on participatory enthusiasm and open communication with partners about intimate preferences.

Are wet kisses necessary for intimacy?

Despite their popularity, wet open-mouth kisses are not a required element for physical intimacy between partners:

Many alternatives – Everything from dry closed-mouth kisses to massage provide intimacy without saliva exchange.
Varies across cultures – Wet kisses are not practiced universally. Cultural norms vary greatly.

Personal preferences differ – Plenty enjoy intimate relationships without French kissing as per their comfort level.
Intimacy has many forms – Emotional intimacy through communication is just as central to bonds as physical acts.
Foreplay has endless variations – Arousal and passion can be generated through infinite other erotic activities.

Not necessary for satisfaction – Many couples rarely or never wet kiss yet maintain happy, fulfilling sex lives and relationships.

While wet kisses connect some couples, there are endless intimate alternatives for those who dislike open mouth kissing or have cultural taboos. Partners should discuss acts that make each other feel cared for.

Are wet kisses sanitary?

Hygiene is an understandable concern around the exchange of saliva with wet French kissing. However, risks are generally low for healthy individuals:

Saliva is self-cleaning – Antimicrobial agents kill most bacteria and viruses naturally in healthy mouths.
Low STI risk – Saliva inhibits transmission of most STIs, though oral herpes is a concern.
More hygienic than appears – Saliva looks unsanitary but contains few microbes unless ill.

Better oral hygiene lowers risks – Brushing and flossing removes bacteria that could transfer via kissing.
Avoid kissing when sick – Reduce transmission by not wet kissing with colds, flu or oral sores.
Kiss selectively – Use judgement around partners to lower STI transmission risks.

Monitor dental health – Get regular dental cleanings and use mouthwash to support oral hygiene.

With basic oral hygiene habits, wet kissing remains reasonably sanitary. But those worried can limit fluid exchange through gentler tongue contact or alternatives like dry kisses.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there are no definitive rights or wrongs around wet kissing – only personal opinions and cultural norms that shape preferences and practices. For some, wet kisses heighten intimacy, passion and arousal. For others, they feel unpleasantly messy or insanitary.

Rather than judging wet kisses themselves, the healthiest approach is honest dialogue around intimate preferences, respecting when partners decline certain acts, and only participating in mutual desired activities with continual consent. This allows couples to curate personalized intimate encounters based on open communication.

With curiosity, patience and non-judgment, individuals and couples can discover make out styles – from bone dry to sloppily wet – that leave both parties satisfied… and maybe a little breathless!