The Forehead Kiss Is Make or Break for Casual Dating

Key Points

• Casual dating has evolved, especially with the rise of dating apps, leading to a shift in the boundaries of intimate encounters.
• Forehead kisses can have multiple interpretations, ranging from platonic gestures of affection to expressions of deeper emotional connection.
• There is a need for open and honest communication between partners to understand each other's intentions and boundaries.

Casual dating can be a minefield to navigate at the best of times. Thanks to dating apps, the limits on intimate encounters are now being shaken off, with connections no longer being held to any kind of binary.

At the same time, dating largely through online apps has led to a drastic change in communication. With no set of blueprints to follow, it's easier than ever for feelings to be misconstrued. The rise of ghosting and "fizzling" also makes silence a viable option. Where does the forehead kiss fit in?

Working out the parameters of a casual connection is particularly difficult when it's not limited strictly to sex. Acts of intimacy are great to be shared, but some in particular could send mixed signals about what someone else might want.

What does forehead kissing mean?

Enter the forehead kiss. If no prior physical boundaries have been established, it can be confusing if your partner suddenly plants a protective kiss on you after sex. Unlike making out, stroking and holding hands, the forehead kiss is perhaps a bit more loaded with meaning.

Much like any other act of affection, there's no right or wrong answer for how forehead kissing can be interpreted. However, the forehead kiss has often been used in ways that might feel out of place in a hookup situation.

Platonically, a forehead kiss can be a heartfelt gesture. It's a perfect way of showing that you're proud of someone or want to show a friend affection without it feeling too invasive. From a parental or family figure, it's also often been a sign of care and protection, typically providing comfort at a younger age.

In relationships, however, it can be used as a way to incite a deeper emotional connection. More than merely showing appreciation, it can be a way to suggest commitment, love and attraction in a more meaningful form.

"The forehead isn't a typical erogenous zone, so unlike a kiss on the neck or the lips, it's not intended to arouse the receiving partner," said Isabelle Uren, a certified sex expert and writer located in Denmark. "It's simply affection for affection's sake."

Women in particular list their forehead as being one of their favorite places to be kissed by a partner, according to a relationship poll. However, its place in casual dating can sometimes cause more stress than enjoyment.

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The rules around casual dating

Particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, more people want something in between when it comes to their dating lives. One-night stands look to be on the way out, according to a 2022 survey, and the idea of monogamous commitment no longer lines up with the changes in our lives, wants and needs.

By the beginning of 2023, one-third of Americans considered their ideal relationship to exist outside of the confines of monogamy, according to a February 2023 survey. Ethical nonmonogamy and forms of polyamory are only just beginning to be explored, so the language around them doesn't fully exist yet.

In the case of casual dating, this means that the rules are often out of the window. Sexual partners don't need to be exclusive but can quickly enjoy acts of intimacy that would have traditionally been reserved for a lengthy and committed relationship. Forehead kissing falls under this umbrella but has more weighted power given how quick and easy it is to do.

What is good aftercare?

The moments that follow after sex are also known as aftercare. It's a way of showing kindness to your partner and continuing the feeling of closeness after you both come down from your physical highs.

Therapists have highlighted why aftercare is such an important step in any sexual practice. Taking time to be sensual with each other is a great way to check in and make sure both you and your partner are OK, with winding down together being an effective way to bond.

However, this situation isn't always for everyone. It's one of the reasons why forehead kissing can be seen as incredibly confusing, leading some to question, "Why are we engaging in something so intimate when this is just supposed to be casual?"

However, it's also true to say there's never a right or wrong way to interact with a partner as long as communication remains both clear and consistent.

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How to know when it's too much

After having sex with a casual partner, you might have found yourself unsure of what to do next. Receiving a forehead kiss in the throes of passion might feel like an uncomfortable sidestep, but also may seem like an act of reassurance without needing to verbalize feelings.

There's often an issue surrounding what is deemed as "too much" in casual relationships. Plenty of rules have come and gone over the years, but feelings can quickly get carried away to the point where unlabeled connections can get messy. In short, it's a question of good communication, and the stronger and more clarified the conversations are, the healthier a casual connection will be.

Something like a forehead kiss can arguably make or break a connection, potentially revealing someone's true feelings while confirming that someone else might not be ready for that next step.

"A forehead kiss also has a more tender, caring sentiment and is often reserved for people we share a deep intimate and emotional connection with," Uren said. "These sentiments are reinforced by how the forehead kiss is portrayed in movies and fiction, with it often being used as a symbol of a more pure kind of love and intimacy in romantic relationships."

If it's something that feels like a boundary for you, it's best to openly share that with any partners you might have. If you've unexpectedly been kissed and enjoyed it but aren't too sure how things should progress, just ask. As nerve-wracking as it can be, outright asking is the only way to get a fully realized answer.

Whether we like it or not, the intentions behind a forehead kiss are never clear-cut. It's a question we've been asking for years, perhaps asking whether we collectively need to improve our casual communication skills.

The answer?

Yes, we definitely do. But only you and your partner know for sure what that surprise forehead kiss means to you.