Should I Kiss My Crush at Midnight on New Year's Eve?

Dear Reverend,

I’m going to a New Year’s Eve party with a bunch of friends. I’ve had a secret crush on one of them for a while, but I’ve been too shy to do anything about it. Would it be ridiculous if I tried to give them a kiss at midnight?

Auddie Lansine (woman, 22)

Dear Auddie Lansine,

There are all sorts of New Year’s Eve superstitions and traditions, but the midnight kiss is one of my favorites. I’ve always believed it brings good luck in the New Year, but I never really considered where that idea originated.

Apparently, the custom can be traced back to the ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. During these celebrations — which were held around the time that we now consider the end of one year and the beginning of another — people exchanged kisses to cleanse the spirit and ensure good fortune.

Interesting? Sure. Helpful in your situation? Not really.

Since you’re already friends with this person, it doesn’t seem like too much of a stretch to think that you might share a little smooch at a party. To ensure that you don’t drop the ball when the ball drops, keep an eye on the time. Be near your crush when the countdown starts and give them a saucy smile. If they seem into it, when the clock strikes 12, go for it.

Here’s the sticky wicket: I don’t think a peck on the cheek will be enough to tip your pal off to the fact that you like-like them. But unless the stars align and the moment is right, you probably shouldn’t go straight in for a juicy lip lock without warning, either.

Being at a party, where there’s a good chance of intoxication of some kind or another, maybe isn’t the best time to come clean about having a crush on someone. So here’s a wild idea: How about you make it your New Year’s resolution to finally let your crush know how you feel? You could even give yourself a deadline by the end of January.

Just be sure to eat some black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year’s Day so you’ll have good luck in your endeavors.

Good luck and God bless,

The Reverend