7 Ways to Avoid a Kiss on the First Date Nicely

Put a Gap in There • Avoid Looking into Each Other’s Eyes • Attention to the Moon and Stars • Don’t Linger at Your Front Door • Offer a Hug • More ...

7 Ways to Avoid a Kiss on the First Date Nicely
By Melanie • Jan 27, 2010 MD

We’ve all been there: the date is winding down, and you’re starting to feel that familiar pressure. While some look forward to it, many women find themselves wondering how to avoid a kiss on the first date without making things awkward. Whether it’s a first date that didn’t quite spark or you’re simply not ready, knowing how to reject a kiss nicely is a valuable skill. In my own dating journey, I often preferred waiting for the right connection rather than rushing into a kiss at the end of a date. This guide is designed to help you navigate these moments gracefully, regardless of your perspective.

Here are a few quick things to keep in mind when you want to keep things platonic at the end of the night:

  • Trust your instincts and prioritize your comfort.
  • Maintain your personal boundaries clearly.
  • Communication is key, even if it's non-verbal cues.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

7. Put a Gap in There

Put a Gap in There

So you've had plenty of awkward moments on your first date and it's finally over. You are at your door and you know you don't want to kiss them. What do you do? Try to put some space between the two of you. The space should at least be an arms length of space. This is to prevent them from getting too close to you. If he keeps getting closer, step away further. If physical distance isn't enough, you might need to make up a quick excuse. This way, he or she will get the hint. For more on setting boundaries, check out Psychology Today's guide on personal space.

6. Avoid Looking into Each Other’s Eyes

Avoid Looking into Each Other’s Eyes

You should avoid having long eye contact at the end of the date. Many people think the best way to go for that kiss is when the “stare down” happens. When it starts, take his attention to some place else. This way, you will not be looking at one another. Point to someone that is walking their dog, or wearing something strange, make a comment on the weather or something else that pops in your mind.

5. Attention to the Moon and Stars

Attention to the Moon and Stars

When you are standing at the door during the night, whatever you do, do not mention the moon or the stars. Why? Because I have noticed that this is a type of cue to kiss. Directing attention to the moon and the stars and saying something like "Wow the night sky looks gorgeous" is a romantic gesture, so try to avoid this, no matter how pretty it is.

4. Don’t Linger at Your Front Door

Don’t Linger at Your Front Door

If you are trying to avoid a kiss, you should try not to linger at the front door. If you are parting at a restaurant or at the movies, then try not to linger there before you leave. Be direct and forward. Tell them that you had a good time and it was nice to meet them. And if you think you want to go out with them on a second date, give a subtle hint and say "Maybe we should do this again". Whatever you do, do not linger. Instead, keep the energy friendly by offering a quick hug before you head inside. It could give them the idea that you want them to make the first move.

If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.

3. Offer a Hug

Offer a Hug

If you don't think it's time tokiss themyet, offer a friendly hug at the end of the night. When they start to go for the kiss, just extend your arms. When you are in the hug position, your heads will be side by side. This is not a comfortable kissing position. After the hug, it is time to say goodbye and leave. And it’s a polite way to set a boundary. You can also read about platonic boundaries on Healthline for more tips.

2. Offer Your Cheek Instead

Offer Your Cheek Instead

When you see that they are about to kiss you, simply turn your head and offer your cheek instead. Maybe even do the "cheek to cheek" kiss. I'd be wary of this though because it may just give them the hope of a lip to lip kiss in the future. Definitely a dating blooperif you ask me.

1. Make up an Excuse

Make up an Excuse

You could always make up an excuse and tell them that you do not want to get lipstick on him. Think of some excuses to not kiss someone that feel natural. Maybe you have chapped lips? Maybe you just do not think it is time to kiss because it is moving too fast. I am the type that just speaks my mind and if you are too, this is the best thing to do.

Avoiding a kiss at the end of a date is really not that hard to do. You just need to think in advance so that you know what you are going to do if the situation comes up. Have you ever been in this awkward position? How did you get out of it?

| Strategy | Effectiveness | Best For | | --- | --- | --- | | The Gap | High | Physical Boundaries | | No Eye Contact | Medium | Distraction | | The Hug | High | Friendly Exit |

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Fatima

    2010-01-27T16:36:54.000Z

    Should've read this before. I ducked. It was so embarrassing.
  • Amy

    2010-01-28T07:14:37.000Z

    Aww cold! Careful girls, you might be breaking some hearts here LOL
  • September

    2010-01-28T06:27:21.000Z

    I often offer my cheek when greeting or parting. It has never been a problem.
  • Tavia

    2010-01-28T07:10:33.000Z

    Well I never had a problem avoiding kisses. Actually I'm too frank so I say directly that I don't want (in some cases it would have been better if I just applied one of these advices). It's great that these advices can applied on guys and girls at the same time. Even guys want to avoid kissing once in a while, even if we don't believe it. :)
  • Xannyyy

    2010-01-28T12:06:09.000Z

    I trully really enjoyed this post!! I wished I had some of those tips when i was dating, but I will pass this around to my friends, sure that they will love it as much as me! :)
Commenting as
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Allwomenstalk app icon

Don't Miss the Latest Version

Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.

New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

how to get the man how to be confident around your crush jeloes how can i ask a guy out how to get a guy to propose to you how to ask someone on a second date the same guy how to test a guy to see if he really likes you millionaire match app reviews how to find the man of my dreams
Featured article image