I had my first kiss at 32 – this is what I wish I’d known

A woman who had never been kissed until the aged of 32 is now helping other "late bloomers" with dating - and reveals the one thing you should do for the perfect first kiss. Allora Dannon, 34, had spent her 20s believing she would have her 'meet cute' and fall in love but it never happened. Two years ago, she set herself the challenge to go on as many dates as she could for a month - and ended up having her first kiss. The kiss led to many other firsts - including losing her virginity and going through her first break-up - and she now helps others navigate their firsts. (Photo: SWNS).

Making things happen

Allora had grown up expecting she would meet someone or would be approached by men. But in January 2023, she finally realised she needed to put herself out there after coming to terms with the idea that nothing would change unless she starting dating. She said: “I spent so many years worrying about what people would think about me. It was self-sabotage. I downloaded the dating apps and decided to try for January but I didn’t really expect anything." (Photo: SWNS).

Lessons in love

Allora ended up with her first boyfriend - who she dated for a year - before they amicably broke-up. After healing, she set herself the same challenge to go on as many dates as she could for a month.

Ticking off the 'firsts'

One thing that surprised Allora when she was having her first experience was noises of pleasure during kissing. She said: "When I was first learning how to kiss with my ex he said 'if you're having a good time you can moan'. I said 'what do you mean?' I had no idea that was something people do." She added: "It's another act if physical intimacy but people are afraid of feeling stupid. It's showing they are having too good of a time. If you're having a good time let them know - it's like giving a tip." (Photo: SWNS).

Putting what I've learnt to good use

Now happily in love, Allora loves helping other late bloomers and answering all their pressing questions.

Helping others with confidence

Allora, a marketer, from Rochester, New York, said: "I'm not an expert in dating but I've learnt all this stuff recently. People forget how odd it is to put your mouth against someone else's for the first time." When asked what her best advice would be, she explained: "My favourite number one tip for kissing is to keep it simple - no tongue. Keep it in your mouth - you can build to that." Allora added: "For me if I'm nervous I just tell someone. If someone is willing to help you through a moment they deserve a kiss from you. If they don't they don't deserve your kiss. People ask, is there a motion for kissing? I say it's like using your lips to take off the top of an ice cream cone - imagining someone's lips are the top of the ice cream." (Photo: SWNS).

Normalising being 'curious'

Allora said it's also good to be "curious" - and ask about things you want to try or are intrigued by, no matter how "spicy" or "vanilla" they are. She said: "I had a spicy list. I'd ask 'I'm curious about what a lovebite feels like'. Be willing to ask what you're curious about." Now, Allora has written her own book 'Who is she: A late bloomer's survival guide' - a part memoir with practical tips and self help. She said: "People go through adulthood with shame and think they are the only one. I didn't know anyone else like me before I turned 30. It's for people to know you can come to any experience at any age." The book is available through Amazon and was released in October. (Photo: SWNS).