1940s Kissing Guide Shows How To Kiss Correctly

Intended to educate actors, the photo guide published in 1942 by LIFE magazine, shows a “wrong” and “right” way of kissing in a true 1940s fashion. It covers the key elements of the romantic activity like how to kiss on an armchair or how to choose the right distance between you and your partner.

“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”