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In this article, we’ll talk about why a guy might kiss you if you’re just friends (and what to do about it. 


Like another casual hangout between friends, you and your guy friend decide to go to your regular rendezvous, and that was where the unexpected happened. For the first time, he landed a kiss on you.  

As you two pulled away, you were left wondering what the kiss meant and what his intentions are toward you. Was it a sign of deeper feelings or just a moment of impulsivity? 

I don’t know what transpired between you and your alleged guy friend. If you have a similar story as this or a little bit close to this scenario, and you’re wondering what this incident could mean. I’m here for you. 

In this article, we delve into the possible reasons behind that first kiss between friends and explore the implications it may have on their relationship.

1. Romantic feelings

Romantic feelings can be a tricky thing to navigate, especially when it comes to friendships. When a guy and a girl are just friends, they may not always be aware of how they truly feel about one another. 

However, when those feelings begin to surface, they can manifest in unexpected ways, such as a kiss. When a guy begins to develop romantic feelings for a girl, he may start to see her in a different light. 

Suddenly, he may get drawn to her in ways he never thought possible, or start to notice little things about her that he never paid attention to before, such as the way she laughs or the way she moves. 

The feeling of a flutter in his stomach may occur whenever he sees her, and he may find himself daydreaming about her when they’re not together. You get the message – attractiveness.

As these feelings grow stronger, the guy may start to think about how he can express them to the girl.  At first, he may be hesitant to do so, as he doesn’t want to risk losing her friendship. 

However, as the feelings continue to build, he may find that he can’t keep them bottled up any longer. He may start to act differently around her, becoming more flirtatious and more attentive. 

He may also start to touch her more, such as putting his arm around her or holding her hand. Finally, the guy may feel compelled to take the ultimate step and kiss the girl. He may feel that this is the best way to express his feelings and to let her know how he truly feels. 

The kiss may be spontaneous, or he may plan it out in advance. Regardless of how it happens, the kiss will be a powerful moment for both of them. For the girl, the kiss may come as a surprise. She may not have realized that the guy had romantic feelings for her. 

However, she may also have been feeling something similar but never acted on it. The kiss may be a confirmation of what she’s been feeling all along.

[Related: When a Guy Wants to Come Over to Your House, This is What it Means]

2. Testing the waters

You know when you’re hanging out with your friend and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, he leans in and plants one on you? Yeah, that can be a pretty confusing and unexpected situation, especially if you’re not sure how you feel about him. 

But, there could be a reason behind it. One possible explanation is that he could be “testing the waters.” Now, before you start thinking he’s some kind of fish, let me explain. 

Essentially, he’s trying to gauge your reaction to the kiss and see if there’s any chemistry between you two. It’s like he’s dipping his toes in the pool before diving in headfirst. 

It’s not a strange thing for people to have feelings for their friends, but they’re not always sure if those feelings are reciprocated. 

So, he might take a chance and kiss you to see if there’s any spark. It’s a way for him to see if you feel the same way he does. Of course, this doesn’t really mean he’s looking for a romantic relationship with you. 

It could mean he’s just trying to figure out if he wants to take things to the next level of friendship, or just trying to gauge if you’re open to more physical touch and if you’re comfortable with him in that way.

But, regardless of his intentions, it’s important to take the time to process your feelings and figure out how you feel about the kiss and what it means to you. 

3. Friendly gesture

Was it a kiss on the cheek? In some cultures, it’s normal for friends to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. It’s a sign of warmth and familiarity. 

For a guy, it could be a way of showing that he considers his female friend to be a close and valued part of his life. And that’s just that, no romantic emotions are involved or any intentions for a relationship other than what they already have.

So for your friend who just sees you as a friend to plant a kiss on your cheek, it may seem like an odd or unexpected move. But when you take a step back and think about it, it’s just a friendly expression. 

I was in a meeting with some of my female friends some time ago (we called it communion) and one of them was sharing an experience based on the topic of that day – which I can’t seem to remember. 

She told us of how she was out with a couple of her clicks and one of the guys came up to her and kissed her on her forehead, not the cheek. She thought it was a sign of interest, but she later figured out that he does that to most of his female friends he holds dearly.

It’s simple yet a powerful way of expressing affection among friends. It’s his way of saying he’s happy to be among people who bring him joy and make him smile.

[Interesting: 10 Reasons Why He Wants You When He Already Has a Girlfriend]

4. Spontaneous moment

You know those moments when you’re hanging out with your friends and everything just feels so perfect? The energy is high, the laughter is flowing, and suddenly, something just clicks. It’s like the stars align and everything just feels right. That’s what I like to call a spontaneous moment.

I’ve had a lot of moments like this when I’ll be so ecstatic that I wouldn’t know when I’ll make a ridiculous promise to someone. One time in college, my friends planned a surprise birthday party for me, and mind you this was the first of its kind for me. 

I was overwhelmed with joy. I was so happy that I didn’t know when I told one of my friends I was going to send her some money the next day to show my appreciation. It was after I said it that I realized that I was broke. Thank god she didn’t take me too seriously. 

Now, imagine you’re hanging out with your friend, and one of those spontaneous moments happens. You’re both laughing and having a great time, and all of a sudden, he can’t help but lean in and kiss you. 

He might not have been thinking about it for weeks, or have been planning it out. It’s just because, at that moment, it felt like the most natural thing to do. Now, I know you might be thinking, “But wait, isn’t that just an excuse for not thinking things through?” 

And to that, I say, not necessarily. Sure, it’s important to think things through and make sure you’re making the right decision. But sometimes, the heart just knows what it wants. And at that moment, his heart told him to go for it.

5. Drunk or under the influence

So let’s say this guy has had a bit too much to drink. You know, he’s had a few too many beers at the bar with his buddies or had one too many shots at the party. And in this state, his inhibitions are lowered. 

He’s feeling good, carefree, and maybe a little bit bolder than usual. So, he’s hanging out with you, and you’ve always had a great time together. And at this moment, something clicks for him. 

He looks at you and thinks to himself, ‘Wow, she’s really beautiful.’ And before he knows it, he leans in and kisses you. Now, this isn’t to say that he’s not attracted to you or that he doesn’t care about your feelings. 

But, in this drunken state, he’s not thinking as clearly as he normally would. He’s not considering the possible repercussions of his actions or how you might feel about it. He’s just acting on impulse.

And let’s be real, alcohol and drugs can make people do some pretty crazy things. So, being under the influence of either of these substances is the reason he kissed you. It’s not necessarily an excuse for his behavior, but it does provide some context for why it happened.

[Also read: 15 Signs a Guy Likes You More Than You Think]

6. Expressing gratitude 

This is one of the most powerful and effective ways to show that you truly care about someone. Let’s say a guy has a female close friend who has been there for him through highs and lows, lending a listening ear, a helping hand, and kind words. 

He knows that their friendship wouldn’t have lasted for as long as it is if not for the unmeasurable support of the friend. So he decides to say “thank you” in the most intimate and heartfelt way possible, by kissing her. 

This may be a simple act of appreciation, a way of saying she’s valued and loved.

7. Pressure from peers

Imagine a scenario where a guy and a girl have been friends for years. They have a strong bond and trust each other. But as they grow older, their friends begin to notice their chemistry and start teasing them about being more than friends. 

The guy starts to feel pressure from his friends to make a move on the girl and show them that there’s something more between them. At first, he brushes off their comments and assures himself that he’s just friends with the girl. 

But as the teasing and pressure from his friends continue, he starts to question his feelings for her. He starts to realize that maybe there is something more there and starts to imagine what it would be like to be in a romantic relationship with her.

Eventually, the pressure from his friends becomes too much and he decides to act on his feelings. 

Maybe this scenario is a perfect explanation of why your friend kissed you. He might have been over-pressurized by his friends into thinking there’s something between you two that neither of you can see. 

So, to put a stop to the pressure, he decides to engage in the act. This is not to say he doesn’t respect your boundaries or you as a person, but because of the uneasiness that his friends have caused him.

8. To express congratulations or excitement

Sometimes not all physical affection like a kiss is romantic or sexual, it could be simply a way of expressing joy, excitement, and congratulations. 

For instance, you might have been working hard to accomplish something and you’ve discussed this goal with your guy friend. 

He knows how much that goal or accomplishment means to you and has been supporting you in any way he can, encouraging and all. 

And suddenly, your hard work pays off, you got the role, the job or contract, or whatever you were working hard for.

He’s going to be excited for you because he cares about your success and he’s been around during the making process, praying and hoping you make it. 

He may be so excited about the good news that he wouldn’t know any other way of showing how proud and happy he is then to kiss you. It may be his minor way of celebrating you.

9. To make a point or to prove something

When two friends have a close bond, they may often find themselves engaging in playful banter and lighthearted teasing. In these situations, one of them may make a bold claim or statement, only to be met with a challenge or skepticism from the other. 

To prove their point and assert their dominance in the conversation, the guy may playfully plant a kiss on the girl’s cheek or forehead as a playful way of saying “I told you so” or “you can’t deny it now”. 

You may be thinking “only children do this” but adults like you and I still engage in childish challenges like this.

This type of playful kiss is not meant to be taken seriously or as a sign of romantic interest, but rather as a way for the guy to express his confidence and assertiveness at the moment. 

It’s a way for him to show that he’s not afraid to make a bold move, and that he’s willing to put himself out there to prove his point.

[Related: 15 Sure Signs He Likes You But Is Hiding It]

10. Cultural or societal norms

Societal norms can play a big role in shaping our actions and behaviors, particularly when it comes to relationships. Take, for example, the scenario of a guy friend kissing his female friend. It may seem like a simple act of affection, but it can actually be influenced by several cultural and societal expectations.

First, there is the idea that men and women can’t just be friends without some sort of romantic or sexual attraction. Society often puts pressure on men and women to be in romantic relationships, and if they are not, there must be a reason why. 

So, when a guy friend kisses his female friend, it may be seen as a sign that they are not just friends, but something more. Moreover, there is a societal expectation that men should be the initiators in relationships. 

Men are often expected to make the first move, whether it be asking someone out on a date or initiating physical touch. So, when a guy friend kisses his female friend, it may be seen as him taking the lead in the relationship.

Society often praises men who are not afraid to express their feelings and make their intentions known, whether it be through words or actions. So, when a guy friend kisses his female friend, it may be seen as him being confident and assertive in his feelings for her.

What to do when a guy friend kisses you 

1. Have a heart-to-heart conversation with your friend

Pull up a cozy blanket, grab some hot cocoa, and sit down for a real talk about where the two of you stand. Be honest about your feelings and ask him to be honest about his. It’ll be like a mini therapy session, but with cocoa and no co-pay.

2. Take a step back and evaluate your feelings. 

Are you feeling confused because you didn’t expect the kiss, or are you feeling confused because you’re not sure if you have romantic feelings for your friend? Give yourself some space and time to figure out what you’re truly feeling. It’s like a little mental vacation, without the tan lines.

3. Get some outside perspective. 

Talk to a trusted friend or family member about the situation. They may have a fresh perspective and offer some valuable advice. It’s like having your own personal life coach, without the steep hourly fee.

4. Set boundaries and communicate clearly. 

If you decide you want to continue being friends with this guy, make sure you’re both on the same page about what that means. Communicate clearly about what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not. It’s like building a friendship fort, but with words instead of blankets.

5. Take some time for self-care. 

Whether it’s a yoga class, a bubble bath, or a movie night with yourself, make sure you’re taking care of yourself during this confusing time. It’s like a little mental spa day, but at home and in your pajamas.

[Related: 13 Sure Signs Your Guy Friend Likes You]

Final words

Ultimately, the reason for a kiss can be complex and may involve a combination of different factors. The intensity of a kiss on the other hand can provide some clues about the person’s intentions, but it is not a definitive indicator.  

A passionate kiss can suggest that the person has strong romantic feelings, while a light or brief kiss may indicate that the person is just being friendly or testing the waters. 

However, it’s important to remember that everyone expresses themselves differently and not everyone will show the same level of intensity in a kiss. 

The best way to determine the reason for a kiss in a particular situation is to communicate with the person who initiated the kiss. 

It’s better to have an open and honest conversation about the kiss and the feelings and intentions behind it, rather than dwelling on assumptions.  

Both parties should share their perspective and feelings about the kiss, and be willing to listen to the other person’s point of view. 

Also, it is pivotal to remember that people’s feelings and intentions can change over time, so the reason for the kiss may change or evolve as the relationship progresses. 

With all said, never forget that your feelings and boundaries are important and should not be taken for granted. I wish you success in life.

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Anita Oge

Meet Anita, a relationship writer with a passion for helping people navigate the complexities of love and dating. With a background in information science, she has a wealth of knowledge and insight to share. Her writing is sure to leave you feeling empowered and inspired.

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