As far as I'm concerned, a kiss can be the most beautiful, most intimate thing in the world. Or -- it can be a horror! It all depends on three things --

Let me explain. And since I believe in first things coming first, I'll start with number 1 on my list.   WHO GIVES THE KISS: If the kiss comes from a girl I've known and been friends with, it should be different from a kiss a fan gives. Now if the kiss is from a gal you've only dated once or twice, it should be given another way, too. But if it's from the girl you're in live with, it's a little more involved. Because then it's more than a casual kiss -- it has a deeper meaning -- and it says, "I love you."  

WHY IT'S GIVEN: There are lots of reasons for giving a kiss. But only a few of them are good ones. Here's a few examples.   Sometimes you go out with a girl on a first date and you really have a ball. The ice-cream sodas were perfect. And the night was filled with stars. You take her home, and before she goes in, you try to kiss her good-night. Now is the crucial time. And now is the time when not all girls react the same, either. One girl will kiss you back. Why? Because she had a wonderful time and she wants you to realize it. That's a good reason for a kiss.   Now another girl might kiss you, too. But her reason is very different -- and I think, very wrong. The only reason she returns your kiss is so you don't think she's a s square. She's afraid that you won't like her if she doesn't kiss you. But what she doesn't realize, I feel, is that a guy can tell if the girl's sincere.   I'd much rather have a girl answer my kiss by just holding my hand or pecking me on the cheek than kissing me because she feels she has to. My motto is honesty especially 'bout matters of the heart!

HOW IT'S GIVEN: The way the kiss is given is what determines if the kiss is going to be meaningful and beautiful -- or a bomb! If it comes from the girl-next-door you've grown up with, it most definitely shouldn't be long and drawn out. That would be, to say the least, inappropriate. But if it were short and sweet, it would say what it was meant to -- "I'm glad you're my friend. It's always good to see you."   If the kiss is from a fan -- and I've been kissed by thousands of fans -- it should be a fast peck on the cheek -- a way of saying, "I like the way you sing," or "I'm your biggest fan." I doubt anyone in show business would be annoyed. I know I wouldn't be!   But if the kiss is from the girl you really dig, it's a different story. Because in her kiss, you want to read a hundred different things. You want her kiss to say, "You're wonderful. I'd rather be with you than anyone. No matter where you go or what we do, it's the best 'cause I'm with you." That's why her kiss is slower and has more warmth and affection. And that's why someday you may be kissing her at the altar!

I hope I've been able to explain my feelings about kissing to you. It's really not the easiest subject in the world to discuss. But I feel that Teen World readers are interested in this, so I did my best. Now it's up to you!