If you’ve been unlucky enough to kiss a bad kisser, you know that it’s definitely an awkward thing. Especially if you are not in a long committed relationship with the person you’re kissing.

I think we all just kind of assume we are good kissers, unless we hear otherwise. And that’s the tough part: feedback.

If you’re worried that YOU might be a bad kisser, Insider gives 5 things to make note of or avoid so that you and your partner both feel good about your make-out seshs.

Because let’s be honest, when you kiss someone and they’re a bad kisser, it’s a huge turnoff. And usually, you’re not gonna keep kissing someone who doesn’t know how to kiss you back. Actually, Insider says 60% of people have been attracted to someone up until they kissed them for the first time. So, kissing can definitely make or break you!

In my experience, kissing is much more of an ebb and flow type of thing than anything else. Everyone kisses differently and likes different things when kissing. It’s a time when you have to really flow with your partner and match their energy. These next few signs also come with my tips on how to not only have a better kissing experience but also how you can better respect your partner while kissing.

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• If You Are Not Communicating With Your Partner, You Might Be A Bad Kisser

  We’ll start off with an important point about any kind of intimacy. Communication is EVERYTHING!! Not only does communicating with your partner create a safer space for both of you, but it also brings you closer together (which makes the kissing better!). The best thing you can do before kissing or being intimate with anyone is asking them their expectations, their boundaries, and anything else they might not have told you had you not asked. It’s always good to open up a space so they feel good communicating with you. It’s most respectful to NEVER just assume you know what they want unless they have specifically told you. Also, if you know what they want, you’ll be much more confident in what you’re doing, which can really sweep them off their feet.

• If You Don't Pay Attention To How Your Partner Wants To Be Kissed

  As with any kind of intimacy, when kissing someone, you need to be attentive to your partner. You should not only be attentive to their body language, but also their energy. Keep track of their movement when kissing you: is it slower? Or more passionate? Also, pay attention to their style. Everyone kisses differently obviously, so if you don’t know how to pick up on someone’s kissing style, simply just ask how they like to be kissed. The biggest misconception around consent and communication during intimacy is that it takes away the “magic” or spark in the moment. But actually, simply asking and opening up a dialogue with someone creates more trust and allows the other person a space to express their wants and needs with you, thus creating safer, more passionate intimacy. Win win!!!!! Otherwise, if you’re just doing whatever you want, your partner could feel like you are steamrolling what they want and that is not respectful.

• If You Get Too Intense Too Quickly

  God, one of the worst things is kissing a new person for the first time and they are just TOO enthusiastic about kissing you. I’ve even had someone hit my teeth before because their energy was just wayyyyy too much coming out of the gate. Obviously, this is not what you want. Of course kissing is fun and exciting with someone you like, so it’s great to be excited! But, it’s a big turnoff if you come in too hot too fast. For a lot of people, starting off slow and taking time to read your partner and how they kiss is much more enjoyable for the both of you. Plus, this allows time for both of you to build up anticipation and passion together, so you’re both on the same page.

• If You Have Bad Breath (Without Realizing It)

  Oof. This one is obvious, but also sometimes we don’t know we have bad breath, so it might be time for a reminder. Even if you’re in a committed relationship, it’s always thoughtful (and respectful) to double make sure your breath doesn’t stink before kissing someone. Unless you do have a pretty open and honest relationship with your kissing partner, your bad breath might be something your partner doesn’t know how to tell you. So, I’ll do it for them! Not only should you be keeping up on your oral hygiene, but also taking care of your lips. Because kissing bad breath is pretty bad, but kissing hardened chapped lips is a close second.

• If You're Tilting Your Head The Opposite Way Than Your Partner

  Insider says studies show most people naturally tend to tilt to the right when kissing someone. If you’re left-handed, you might feel more inclined to tilt left. But, if your partner tilts right and you tilt left, it could make things awkward and weird. So, going back to reading your partner, a lot of kissing really is vibing with someone’s energy. When in doubt, take the backseat and let them lead.

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