I initially thought, “Men must be simple creatures when it comes to kissing—they all love physical intimacy, so they must go wild over any kind of kiss, right?” But then I caught myself. As someone who believes in equality, generalizing about any gender just isn’t right. Men, like women, have individual preferences when it comes to kissing and intimacy.
We’ve all experienced those awkward, teeth-clashing kisses that make us cringe. But hopefully, we’ve also enjoyed those magical moments with someone whose kissing style perfectly matches our own.
While chemistry and connection are the foundation of great kissing, the early stages of a relationship can feel a bit uncertain. You’re still learning each other’s preferences and boundaries when it comes to physical affection.
Personally, I cherish those classic, innocent make-out sessions. Still, I understand wanting to impress someone new—especially someone who treats you with respect—with some well-placed moves.
Curious about what men really think, I turned to Reddit, where guys tend to be refreshingly honest. Here’s what I discovered about what drives men crazy when it comes to kissing:
Touch Beyond Just Lips
Surprisingly, it’s not all about heading straight for intimate areas (though one Reddit user did mention “Fondle me bools”). Many guys expressed appreciation for being touched in various places during a kiss:
“When she puts her hands on my chest or stomach while we’re making out. Bonus points if she’s on top of me while doing it.”
“When she runs her fingers through my hair while we’re kissing.”
“Touching my neck or face during a kiss drives me wild.”
Don’t Forget the Rear View
It turns out that many men appreciate a little attention to their backside:
“When she grabs my butt. Every time.”
“Hands on my hips or sliding down to my butt. Just assertive touching in general.”
The Power of Hair Play
Not ready for bottom-grabbing yet? Start from the top. Many men mentioned loving when partners play with their hair:
“When she runs her fingers through my hair and gently pulls it—instant excitement.”
“I love it when she holds the back of my head during a deep kiss.”
Take Control Sometimes
Modern relationships are about equality, and many men find it attractive when women show initiative:
“When she pushes me against the wall and takes charge of the kiss.”
“I love when she pulls me in by my shirt collar. Shows she really wants me.”
Even simpler gestures can work wonders. Don’t be afraid to lean in and claim your space:
“When she leans into me during a kiss, like she can’t get enough—that’s the best feeling.”
When Things Heat Up
If the kissing session moves to a horizontal position, guys mentioned loving when you:
“Straddle me while we’re making out. The pressure and closeness is incredible.”
“Run your fingers down my back or chest.”
“Whisper what you want in my ear between kisses.”
Remember, there are no universal tricks to becoming a better kisser or pleasing your partner. When there’s genuine connection, the kiss will naturally feel amazing. As one Reddit user beautifully put it:
“What drives me crazy is when I can tell she’s completely into it. When her breathing changes and I know she’s enjoying it as much as I am—that’s the hottest thing ever.”
Kissing is obviously physical, but it’s also a powerful form of communication. In many ways, kissing can feel more intimate than sex and serves as a wonderful introduction to learning about each other’s bodies, preferences, and desires.
The secret to a great kiss? Be authentic and don’t hold back because of nerves. Based on Reddit responses, very few guys would complain even if you immediately went for a cheeky bottom grab! Immerse yourself in the kiss, avoid using teeth or being too aggressive with your tongue, and most importantly—have fun with it!