His name was Aaron and, at almost 14, he was an older man. We'd been "going out" for a week when we met in a romantic location — in the parking lot behind McDonald's, near the trash cans — and shared our first kiss. I'll never forget how excited I was and how surprised I was by the amount of tooth-on-tooth contact there was.
So, yeah, we didn't really know what we were doing in terms of good kissing technique. But when I think back on it, I can't help but smile. It felt like such a big deal at the time. I'm pretty sure there were pages and pages of my diary devoted to recounting every moment of that oh-so-magical moment.
For better or worse, our first kisses are unforgettable. In hindsight, some of them are also pretty hilarious. Read on for memories of first kisses that range from sweet to slimy to totally awkward.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go smooch my husband now and enjoy the fact that no teeth will be involved!
Image via iStock.com/tomazl
Love
"It was seventh or eighth grade. He was a year older. It was amazing and perfect. He smelled so good. We went our separate ways but dated again in college. And we'll be married 30 years on July 18!" — Nadine S., Saint Paul, Minnesota
Bus Buddies
"When I was a freshman in high school, I was embarrassed because I still had to ride the bus. I lived in a small town, so the bus took both middle school and high school kids. One day I was sitting in the back and an eighth grader came and sat by me. He then told me that he thought I was pretty and that we should kiss each other.
I don't know what got into me but I said, 'Um, okay' and then he planted one on me. It was so random. Later on there was SO much gossip about it because I was an older woman." — Marie J., Topeka, Kansas
Everybody's First
"My first kiss was with someone who is now, 20 years later, married to one of my friends! I have to laugh because it turns out that he was responsible for the first kisses of about half the girls in my seventh grade class. He got around!" — Heather D., Kalamazoo, Michigan
Like Hockey
"I remember thinking, 'So kissing just seems to be like playing hockey with tongues.' So much wet tongue, ugh." — Michaela A., Saint Paul, Minnesota
The Peck
"I was 16, the guy asked if he could kiss me good night, I said yes, then he just stood there not doing anything — so I leaned in and gave him a peck. He barely even moved his lips. Super awkward." — Molly O., Saint Paul, Minnesota
More from CafeMom: 9 Ways Teen Dating Has Changed Since We Were Kids
Boys vs. Girls
"My first two were tongue jammers, but I had a make-out buddy when I was 16 and enjoyed countless hours of awesome kissing. I often wonder: Were we as bad as the boys? Did they walk away thinking, 'That was the worst kiss ever'?" — Suzanne S., Saint Paul, Minnesota
Feelings
"My first real kiss happened after a school dance. My mom's friend's nephew was visiting from Ohio and I took him to the dance. Afterwards he kissed me and I just melted and had all the feelings 'down there,' ha ha. I want to say I was like 14?" — Lisa S., Saint Paul, Minnesota
Soft & Weird
"I remember Billy Idol playing on the radio and it was weird to have to lean in to each other so far. We were in the front seat of his car. It was a short kiss but not bad. It was soft." — Tricia W., Tucson, Arizona
The Lick
"I felt like I had gotten licked by a huge slobbery dog." — LeeZa M., Saint Paul, Minnesota
More from CafeMom: 9 Facts About Kissing That Will Make You Want to Pucker Up Even More
Foreign Affair
"Oh! Mine was the best. I was in Spain on a family vacation and ended up meeting this cute boy there. We were inseparable for a week. One night we went and saw Titanic at the movie theater and then went to the beach and he kissed me on the beach. Swoon." — Jessie S., Dallas, Texas
Dirt Bag
"I thought I was being so cool to dress in all black and go hang out with the older boys at the skateboard park. In actuality, I was a freaked-out 12-year-old trying to deal with puberty and my parents getting a divorce.
My first kiss was with this total dirt bag 16-year-old. He did this thing where he tried to switch his gum from his mouth to mine and back again. So gross!" — Anna Q., Costa Mesa, California
Sweet & Innocent
"Mine was soooo cute. Went out with the same neighbor boy on and off from fifth to eighth grade. We started out as best buds and then eventually turned into more, but the first kiss: He walked me home holding hands extra tight from his house (a block away). Gave me a hug at my doorstep and then a super quick kiss on the lips. We were both so smiley — it was just so sweet and innocent." — Katie S., Saint Paul, Minnesota
