Kiss-or-miss soiree: No doubt about it--you're a social gal. But, just what is up with this whole make-out party thing? (GL Guys).

OK. Before we get into this make-out party stuff, you need to know Girls' Life is not encouraging kissing parties. But, admittedly, they are a rite of passage so, in response to your concerns, we want to shed some light. Whether you've been to one (or a bunch) or you've just heard about them, these smooch sessions can bring up some tricky sitches. But once you know what to expect, it's up to you to decide whether to make-out... or get out!

THE SITCH: Single Gal, First Make-out Party

Say your new bud Julie invites you to her party Saturday night. Great! You get to hang out with Julie and all her super-cool friends. Plus, your crush Steve will be there! When Saturday night rolls around, you and your spankin' new red glitter mini head over to Julie's. Everyone's hanging out, eating, talking... and Steve looks especially cute in his Tommy cap. He even chats with you about how his little sister "borrowed" the CDs he planned to bring to the party. You tell him about the time your brother gave your favorite shoes to charity. You're psyched to finally laugh with him.

Then, unexpectedly, Julie dims the lights and cranks Alicia Keys-and couples disappear. Stacy and Bryan kiss right in front of you, and the party's vibe totally changes. It's a total smooch-fest! Steve gets quiet and just stares at you. The silence is unbearable. Your palms are sweaty. Butterflies abound. And then there's the fact that Julie's parents are right upstairs!

WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO? If you're new to the scene or caught off guard by the dimmed lights, you are probably super-freaked. But even if that special guy is looking at you like you're dessert or your best friends are into it, remind yourself, "I don't have to do this if I don't want to." Even if you feel you're the only one bailing, don't feel pressured to do anything that makes you uneasy--Spin the Bottle, Seven Minutes in Heaven or whatever surpasses your comfort level.

The best way to prevent an uncomfy ordeal like this? Just bail. Ask your host ahead of time who's going to be there and what the game plan is. If things sound sketchy, simply don't go. Otherwise, decide what you're going to do before hitting the party--that way, you won't feel any on-the-spot pressure. If a guy tries to kiss you or you're chosen to hit the closet for Seven Minutes in Heaven, just stay cool and say, "Nah, that's OK, I'm getting some pizza."

If you're uneasy about the whole thing, don't jump on a soapbox and preach. Keep it to yourself. If you don't cause a scene, the others shouldn't make a big deal out of it if you choose to stay on the sidelines.

And remember, you can always casually slip out and call a parent to pick you up. Come up with a code, like, "I'm so tired," and let your parents know that really means, "I so want to get out of here."

THE SITCH: Single Gal, Make-out Party Aficionado 

Say you're at Donna's Valentine's Day party. Your mega-crush Billy and his pals are there, and you've been counting the hours 'til this moment. Donna announces it's time to play Truth or Dare. Your heart races. Of course, you go for the dare. This is your chance to kiss Billy and make him yours! Donna knows you totally dig him and dares you to kiss him for 40 seconds. Without hesitation, you plant a big wet one on his lips. He gladly kisses you back and gives you a big smile. Everyone giggles, and the guys high-five him. You're elated.

But then...it's Billy's turn, and he takes a dare to give Lisa a smooch. They kiss for 45 seconds, and they hold hands! Suddenly, your world turns upside down. Lisa knows how much you like Billy. And you thought Billy only had eyes for you. What's up?

WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO? A make-out party, that's what. It's really important to keep things in perspective. For those of you who go to make-out parties, realize they're just par ties--and that's that. Kissing a boy, even your big-time crush, during a party game doesn't mean a darn thing. That's why these parties can be so stressful, confusing and upsetting--even for girls who love going to them. When kissing and emotions mix, feelings can get hurt--especially in such a public arena.

Before the bash, say to yourself, "I will not let my feelings get hurt, and I will not get too stoked if sparks fly with a certain guy." Just because you kiss your crush three times does not automatically make him your BE or off limits to other girls. You can't get upset with a girl who's dared to kiss your crush and does. It's part of the game. If you're willing to partake in the kissing fiasco, be mature enough to handle it.

Says, Lori, 14, "It was a dream come true when I kissed Toby during Seven Minutes in Heaven. We talked the rest of the night and e-mailed each other after the party. But at the next party, he was with my friend and neither of them even acknowledged my presence. That's the second time this has happened, and now I'm thinking twice about playing SMH."

Be aware of the potential hazards, so you'll be equipped to deal with emotional curve balls that fly your way. It's natural to be curious about guys. And it's not necessarily a bad thing to want to try kissing or kiss someone you like. For some girls, the security of nearby friends makes these parties more comfortable than one-on-one dating. There's a safety factor in knowing your buds are right there and things won't go too far.

THE SITCH: Coupled Gal, Make-out Party Issues

You and Brandon have dated for a month. When you're both invited to Kimberly's party, your stomach drops. She's notorious for throwing make-out parties. Just as the party seems about to fizzle, out comes the bottle. Brandon heads to the circle before you can blink, and you're left standing there.

WHAT'S A GIRL TO DO? If you have a BF, the last place you probably want to be is at one of these deals. Understandable. Why would you want to kiss another guy in front of your BF or, worse, watch him kiss someone else? Be girl enough to discuss the sitch with your guy before the party. If you go and the make-out stuff starts, will you guys leave, move to another room or what? Is it cool to play SMH and Spin the Bottle?

We suggest keeping your lips to yourselves. Though everything at these parties is out in the open, kissing between two people who care about each other should be private. So pass on the PDA, even if it's with your steady. If you two have never smooched before, do you want your first kiss to be in front of the crew? Didn't think so.

BTW, a boyfriend who's first in line to smooch every girl at the party spells p-r-o-b-l-e-m. If he's way into the smooching, ya might wanna cut the kissing bandit loose. You want a BF who has the utmost respect for you at all times, especially in a potentially messy situation like a make-out party.

S.W.A.K.

Party's over! Lights on! Can you look at everyone around you with no regrets? Good. 'Cause respect is the most important thing of all--for your friends, your guy... and yourself.