Why do we kiss?
When passion surges, a kiss can bind two people together, allowing them to open themselves completely, exchanging breath, scent, skin texture, and of course, secrets and emotions. A kiss has countless possibilities: we can kiss secretly, passionately, gently, timidly, or even thirstily, fiercely, giving the other no chance to breathe. Whether under the bright sun or the starlight, a kiss replaces many words. We offer polite touches, lingering wet kisses, Hollywood-style kisses, and the final kiss before death. Of course, in fairy tales, a kiss is the best magic to break a curse.
When we kiss, regardless of what else is happening, our evolutionary history is rooted in this tender yet passionate act. In the 1960s, British zoologist and author Desmond Morris first proposed that kissing may have evolved from the following action: primate mothers always chewed food and then fed them mouth-to-mouth; this lip-to-lip contact was the earliest form of kissing. Chimpanzees nurture their young in this way, and our early human ancestors likely did as well. This urgent lip-to-lip contact may have later developed into a way to comfort crying infants when food was scarce—timely and capable of expressing love and affection in general. Humans gradually developed more passionate varieties from the prototype of parents kissing their children, resulting in the many more kisses we have today than just 108.
Some scientists believe that the movement between the lips evolved into an emotional kiss because kissing is a criterion for mate selection. "Kissing involves a very complex exchange of information between smell and touch," said Gordon G. Gallup, an evolutionary psychologist at the State University of New York, in an interview with the BBC. "People can glean information from the adjustments they make to their kissing postures. A moment of infatuation can lead people to make quick decisions based on their genetic incompatibility." Kissing can even reveal the extent to which your partnership will last, whether you are willing to take on the responsibility of raising children, and thus maintain a long-term cooperative relationship. Kissing is not just a flirtatious gesture; it is related to the survival of the human species.
13 Reasons to Kiss
Recalling the sweetness of a first kiss, how many people can't forget the blush-inducing, heart-pounding romantic memories? For many, kissing is not only a way to confirm each other's feelings, but also a natural chemical reaction between lovers. But did you know that kissing can not only prolong life but also increase one's sense of security? These benefits have been proven by research. Those who already enjoy this might be very happy to hear this, because you now have 13 more reasons to openly kiss your partner!
1. Kissing is the first intimate contact between lovers.
John Bohannon of Butler University surveyed 500 participants and asked them what the most important life experiences in their memories were, including their first kiss and first sexual experience. The results showed that the first kiss topped the list of most memorable experiences, with most people not only remembering it vividly but also recalling many details.
2. Kissing truly reflects your judgment.
Exchanging saliva sounds strange, but why is it so popular? The most widely accepted theory is that kissing is a way for humans to exchange biological information to determine whether the other person can become their partner.
3. Kissing can save lives.
A famous study from the 1980s suggested that men who habitually kissed their wives before leaving home for work lived longer, had lower car accident rates, and earned more than other married men.
4. Not every culture accepts kissing.
Anthropologists have found that some cultures in Asia, Africa, and South America do not kiss each other. Even in some cultures where kissing is acceptable, kissing in public is frowned upon, and in more serious cases, it is considered illegal (including in some parts of the United States).
5. Some people are afraid of kissing.
A first kiss always makes your heart flutter, but for some people, this anxiety never disappears. Chronic fear of kissing is known as "philemaphobia".
6. Kissing keeps us healthy
Besides making us feel good, some studies have pointed out that kissing can actually maintain our health. The exchange of bacteria in the mouth can boost our immune system, and the increased heart rate caused by kissing can also lead to vasodilation and thus lower blood pressure.
7. The sound of a kiss is like the sound of our passionate kiss.
The word "kiss" originates from the Old English word "cyssan," the origin of which is unknown, but it's believed to likely come from the sound made during a kiss. (Does it sound like it?)
8. Two-thirds of people turn their heads to the right when kissing.
A recent study published in Nature indicates that most people turn their heads to the right rather than the left when kissing; scientists from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany also analyzed 124 couples and found that 65% of them turned their heads to the right when kissing.
9. Holder of the record for the longest kiss
Believe it or not, Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat from Thailand set a record in 2013 for the longest kiss, lasting 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds, and are currently the world record holders for the longest kiss.
10. Kissing can burn calories.
Although the orbicularis oris muscle is most commonly used when kissing—the muscle around the mouth—it contains 34 facial muscles and 112 postural muscles, totaling 146 muscles. Considering this, it's not surprising that kissing for one minute can burn 26 calories.
11. Darkness cannot stop humans from kissing.
A study at Princeton University in the 1990s discovered that neurons in the anterior cortex of the brain are responsible for two tasks related to touch and vision and can immediately transmit information to the face. This may explain why kissing can still happen without any obstacles after the lights are turned off.
12. Kissing makes your heart race.
Kissing releases complex chemicals in the brain that make people feel excited, happy, or relaxed, as well as increase heart rate and make breathing deep and irregular.
13. Kissing creates a sense of security.
The longer the kiss lasts, the lower the levels of stress hormones and cortisol become, and you'll feel more secure.
When you have feelings for someone, you naturally want to kiss them. Frequent kissing can also strengthen the bond between couples. Therefore, engaging in frequent intimate interactions with your partner is very beneficial for your relationship.
