Knowing how to initiate a kiss can do so much good if you want to make the first move but getting it right isn’t always easy. Here’s how to do it.

Going in for that first kiss is always nerve wrecking. Even if you know you like them and they’re into you, it’s still scary. You never know what to do or how to initiate a kiss in a way that’ll really impress them and make them want more.

Until now, that is. Although we can’t help you get rid of those butterflies before leaning in and pressing your lips to their, we can help dissipate some of that fear and anxiety. All you need is to know how to initiate a kiss in the right way so they’ll want more and also leave with a great impression.

First kisses are always going to be a little weird

And that’s okay. Kissing is a very intimate thing and everyone has their own style. You might kiss in a different way than your significant other at first. You’ll have to take some time to adjust to one another’s lips before it starts getting really good.

That adjustment period can be a little awkward if you’re not prepared. You could think you’re a bad kisser or even that they are. The main thing to remember here is that no matter what, the first kiss will have some weird elements you just have to work through before you can get to the good stuff. [Read: How to kiss a girl for the first time and not screw up]

How to initiate a kiss they’ll never forget

Although it can be a little scary and difficult to get that first kiss right, it is possible. Let us help you navigate your way to a kiss they’ll be talking about forever. Don’t forget that everyone is different and might like unique ways of kissing. Get to know them thoroughly and ensure they definitely want to kiss you before laying one on them!

#1 Just relax. If you’re all nervous and uptight, they’ll notice. And not only will they be a little put off by this, they could also think they’re doing something wrong. You don’t want that.

Just relax a bit. They’re already there on a date or being emotionally intimate with you. That means they like you and probably want you to kiss them already. Take a deep breath and keep your cool. [Read: 14 really quick ways to de-stress and relax your mind]

#2 Make sure you know them well. You can’t really lean in to kiss someone you just met. There has to be a stronger connection than that. You also want to make sure you know them well so you’re aware of what they’re into and if they’re even comfortable enough with you to initiate a kiss.

#3 Work on building a solid emotional connection. If you really want to understand how to initiate a kiss and make a great impression, you have to work on building an emotional connection first. A kiss without this is simply a kiss.

It won’t mean as much. But if you take the time to connect with them on a deeper level, it’ll hold a lot more meaning. They’ll love the kiss simply because it’s from you this way.

#4 Have a great date beforehand. Don’t think you can go in for a kiss if the date was awful. They’ll probably want to avoid you if it was a disaster. But if it’s a fantastic date they’ll definitely want you to lean in and make the kiss happen. [Read: What to do to have a perfect first date]

#5 Flirt a lot. Flirting is a fantastic lead up to a kiss and also signals to that person that you’re going to kiss them. As much as we think spontaneous kisses are romantic, they’re not. People want to at least know it’s coming. Flirting will do that for you.

#6 Increase the intimacy before going in. Don’t just go from joking straight for the kiss. There should be a moment or two where you take on a more serious tone and increase the intimacy between the two of you. Basically, close the gap and let the mood shift to a more romantic one first.

#7 Read the signals correctly. You can’t get this wrong. If you do, the kiss will be awful. You really want to make sure they’re giving you all the signs they actually want to be kissed.

If they’re avoiding looking at you or turning their body so they’re facing away from you, they don’t want a kiss. However, if they’re moving in closer and looking at your lips a lot, go ahead and kiss them! [Read: 18 signs your date really likes you and wants a kiss]

#8 Look at their lips on and off. You can do this too! If you want to make sure they know you’re going in for the kiss, this is a must. Not only does it increase the intimacy, but if they don’t want a kiss, they’ll simply move away or look away from you.

#9 Move slowly. Don’t do anything abruptly. All the romantic comedies show this forceful “passionate” kiss but really, you can’t do that in real life. If they’re not expecting it and it catches them completely by surprise, it might not be wanted. They’ll be upset if you don’t offer them a chance to get out of it.

#10 Be gentle with the kiss. Don’t smash your face against theirs. The best first kisses are slow and gentle. Move your face toward theirs and just let your lips touch softly before pulling away. [Read: 12 moves you’ll need to become a great kisser]

#11 Keep it simple. Don’t do tongue. Not on the very first kiss. That’s an awful move and will be way too much. They’ll basically think you just want to get things heated up ASAP and that’s not what you want. Simple is best when it comes to this.

#12 Pull away slowly and look them in the eyes. After the kiss, pull away very slowly and keep your eyes locked on theirs. This is not only extremely sexy but very sweet and romantic all at the same time. It’ll leave them with a very positive impression of that first kiss. [Read: 10 subtle eye contact flirting moves that always work]

#13 Let them come back for more. Now that you know how to initiate a kiss and have done your job, it’s their turn. Let them do the next one. They might even dive back in before you have a chance to pull away completely.

This is obviously a great sign. Allowing them to initiate the next one also allows you to gauge their interest and see how much they truly liked your kiss.

If you really want to know how to initiate a kiss that’ll make them remember it and you for a very long time, this is how. Keep it simple, gentle, and intimate in order to leave them with a lasting impression.