When it comes to kissing, there's always room for improvement

Most of us will experience at least one or two truly awful kisses in our lives. It's almost a rite of passage.

Whether it's too many teeth, an awkward shuffling of feet that ends in bruised toes, or an aggressive tongue searching for holes, not every makeout session is one to remember.

And while these missteps are usually a matter of practice makes perfect, some people might need a little refresher course.

I want to emphasize beforehand that this isn't meant to judge anyone for their kissing technique. We all excel in different areas, and the art of kissing is something you can learn, provided you're willing to acknowledge that there's room for improvement. Besides, everyone seeks something different, and nerves or social anxiety can play a significant role in the success or failure of a kiss.

In general, however, if you recognize yourself in any of these five points, it might be worth starting over.

You stand like a penguin

Annabelle Knight, relationship coach, psychosexual therapist, and relationship expert at Lovehoney, tells Metro: "A kiss should be so much more than two lips touching; it should be about the closeness of bodies, the holding of each other, and the hands exploring each other."

If you find yourself 'penguin kissing' – that is, with your hands at your sides – you're not doing anyone any favors.

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Kissing involves your whole body, not just your lips

Her advice is to literally “take the reins,” which might mean stroking your partner’s face, running your hands through their hair, or putting your arms around their waist or neck—whatever feels natural in the situation.

The only penguins you see should be in that David Attenborough documentary playing on the TV in the background while you're kissing.

There is no reciprocity

"It goes without saying that kissing should be mutual," Annabelle emphasizes. "But if you feel your partner pulling away too early during a kiss, I'm afraid it's because you're a bad kisser."

This is tricky, because someone pulling away could mean a hundred different things—it could even be a ploy to keep you wanting more. However, if you're dating a new partner and notice they regularly pull away during kisses, it's worth considering why.

"Try to match your rhythm and speed to the other person's," Annabelle adds. "This can help prevent such a scenario."

You should be able to judge whether or not your partner is into it.

You have dry or hard lips

It's that time of year again when our lips take a beating, with cold weather and dry central heating. But while "no one can avoid getting dry or chapped lips from time to time," Annabelle warns, "If you don't do something about it, you probably won't be voted the best kisser."

Man or woman, and whether you prefer fruit-flavored products or the regular medicinal varieties, you should always have a trusty lip balm on hand to keep your lips soft and plump.

An abrupt ending

If there is regular and explicit consent from both sides, abruptly ending a kiss could be a sign that you need to improve your kissing skills.

This can be a truly traumatic experience, but know that you are not alone

Annabelle explains: 'If you or your partner abruptly stops kissing, something has probably gone wrong.

Knowing how to maintain connection and chemistry when your lips aren't touching is a skill of a good kisser, so learn this if you want to fix your mistake.

It could also indicate that they're just not the right person for you; so if you're consistently struggling to make a romantic connection—including kissing—you might want to reconsider your compatibility as a couple.

You 'imitate' the other

And finally, remember: if they move left, you move right. "In an ideal kissing situation, you and your partner are perfectly in sync, mirroring each other's movements so your lips meet and there's no head-butting or teeth-grinding," says Annabelle.

"If during a kiss you feel like there's a mime artist standing opposite you, leaning in the same direction, it ruins the moment."