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There aren’t that many experiences more nerve-racking than the first kiss. Jeez, when I remember mine, I remember this overwhelming anxious feeling of having no clue what I’m supposed to do. Back in 1942, LIFE magazine saw this as a problem too, and the only reasonable way to fix it, of course, was the “How to kiss” guide.

Intended to educate actors, the photo guide shows a “wrong” and “right” way of kissing in a true 1940s fashion. It covers the key elements of the romantic activity (this is the moment where you put your science hat on) like how to kiss on an armchair or how to choose the right distance between you and your partner.

Do you agree? How would your kissing guide look like?

(h/t: vintag.es)

“WRONG: They look too juvenile if they are so stand-offish”

“RIGHT: Boy and girl should stand close together and not hold each other too tightly”

“WRONG: Sprawling all over the chair is considered ungraceful”

“RIGHT: Girl should sit on arm of the chair and boy should hold her firmly but lightly”

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