People Agree This Is The Right Time To Give Your Date A First Kiss

You know how the old sayings go: First impressions matter, and love at first sight is magical. By this logic, you see someone and instantly know how you feel about them. Now imagine how much the first impressions of your first kiss matter. Not to put pressure on you, but unfortunately, rarely will your first kiss be the perfect alignment of time, place, mood, and dreamy music playing in the background. Of course, we're not saying that everything is doomed. Rather, there's a general consensus on the right time to give a prospective partner a first kiss, and it could potentially help you while dating.

So, when is the right time to give your date the first kiss? A research study conducted by The Match Lab surveyed 100 United States-based singletons on this divisive topic. According to the results, the majority of respondents (45%) consider the second date the perfect first-kiss opportunity. Meanwhile, 15% of daring singletons consider the first date the best time, while 26% prefer holding off until date number three.

That said, there's no right or wrong answer. "In the world of dating ... the decision to share a first kiss really boils down to your own feelings about it," Dan Rosenfeld, dating expert and The Match Lab's founder and director, told Well + Good. "Creating a rule for when you're ready for a first kiss may be a good idea, but remember, it's okay to adjust it based on how comfortable you feel during the date." But just why do so many folks think the second date is the perfect time?

There are several reasons why people believe kissing for the first time during a second date is perfect. The first date might be too soon (we're not saying you shouldn't do it — if it feels right, by all means!), while the third date might be too late, as you may risk your relationship entering the friend zone. By the end of the second date, though, intentions are generally clearer, and you know whether your date is romantic or just friendly.

Plus, after two dates (especially if you've made your second date memorable), you've already established a connection. And since you're done with the anxiety of the first date, you should be more relaxed and confident going into the first kiss. There's even the viral 6-second kiss rule that can boost your connection with your partner. After all, kissing releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in your body, triggering a positive reaction in your brain, making you feel happier, and helping you connect with your date even more.

Another reason why kissing during the second date is a good idea is because it builds anticipation and creates excitement. "Waiting for your first kiss allows you to deepen your bond, reduce nerves, and build sexual excitement," psychotherapist and sex educator Lisa Lawless, PhD, told Well & Good. Additionally, a second-date kiss may help determine whether there's passion between you. "A passionate, enthusiastic kiss can be a clear signal that there's a strong physical spark between you two," Lawless added.

If you're worried about the first kiss, you're not alone. In fact, sex therapist Ian Kerner told CBS News, "It's a lot of anxiety to make the first move. The first kiss is the boundary between acceptance and rejection, and we're terribly afraid of the latter. It's often much easier and less fraught to get from the first kiss to sex than to get from ground zero to the first kiss."

So, given that the ideal time for your first kiss is during the second date, how do you initiate it? It's best to wait until the end of your date, right before your goodnights. By then, you'll have picked up on the other person's vibes and hopefully have a good idea of whether they're into kissing. However, you should avoid putting your date in the spotlight by kissing in public. Instead, wait until you're alone.

Of course, getting consent is a must, so if you're on the fence about how your date feels, bring up the subject before leaning in for a smooch. For example, you could say, "I can't stop thinking about kissing you," or "I would love to kiss you right now." If your date leans toward you, it's probably the right time. On the other hand, if they shy away, read their body language and wait for another time. Even if you kiss, respect your date's space and body. Holding them while kissing can be nice, but groping them could make them feel uncomfortable.