Do better kissers make better partners?

A new study suggests that kissing helps us judge potential partners and plays a vital role in a partner staying around. 'Kissing in human sexual relationships is incredibly prevalent in various form

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 11, 2013 7:02 pm

A new study suggests that kissing helps us judge potential partners and plays a vital role in a partner staying around. ‘Kissing in human sexual relationships is incredibly prevalent in various forms across just about every society and culture,’ said Rafael Wlodarski, from the Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University. Wlodarski and colleagues set up an online questionnaire in which over 900 adults answered questions about the importance of kissing in both short-term and long-term relationships. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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‘There are three main theories about the role that kissing plays in sexual relationships: that it somehow helps assess the genetic quality of potential mates; that it is used to increase arousal; and that it is useful in keeping relationships together. We wanted to see which of these theories held up under closer scrutiny,’ Wlodarski said. The survey responses showed that women rated kissing as generally more important in relationships as men. Also Read - 7 reasons why the #BeefBan is good

Furthermore, men and women who rated themselves as being attractive, or who tended to have more short-term relationships and casual encounters, also rated kissing as being more important.Previous studies have shown women tend to be more selective when initially choosing a partner. Men and women who are more attractive, or have more casual partners, have also been found to be more selective in choosing potential mates. As it is these groups which tended to value kissing more in their survey responses, it suggests that kissing helps in assessing potential mates, researchers said. (Sex without a penis – it’s possible)

There might be an evolutionary reason for this. It has been suggested previously that kissing may allow people to subconsciously assess a potential partner through taste or smell, picking up on biological cues for compatibility, genetic fitness or general health. ‘Mate choice and courtship in humans is complex,’ said Professor Robin Dunbar. ‘Initial attraction may include facial, body and social cues. Then assessments become more and more intimate as we go deeper into the courtship stages, and this is where kissing comes in,’ he said.

In the current study, the team found that kissing’s importance changed for people according to whether it was being done in long-term or short-term relationships. Particularly, it was rated by women as more important in long-term relationships, suggesting that kissing also plays an important role in mediating affection and attachment among established couples. (Kissing tips by experts)

The researchers report their findings in the journals Archives of Sexual Behaviour and Human Nature.

Health benefits of puckering up

Mini vaccination

Anytime you lock lips, and there is an exchange of saliva, there is also an exchange of microbes. A majority of the bacteria in your saliva is common to everyone, but around 20 percent are unique to the individual. So, the process of kissing triggers your body to produce antibodies to fight the foreign bacteria. It’s like a vaccination except the needle and white coats.

Stress buster

A recent study found that when you’re kissing someone, your body releases oxytocin (a calming chemical), endorphins (which are the feel-good chemicals) and dopamine (which promotes bonding). Aim for a 20-second smooch to get mood-boosting benefits.

Allergy-fighter

A study in Japan found that 30 minutes of kissing can slow histamine production (a compound that is released by cells in response to injury and in allergic and inflammatory reactions), providing relief from sneezing and running nose symptoms associated with hay fever and other allergic conditions.

Natural dental fortifier

Even during non-sloppy exchanges, kissing produces bonus saliva. This helps neutralize acids which can cause decay, and washes away food particles and cavity-inducing plaque that’s beginning to form. Some experts even think that the mineral salts in saliva may help bolster enamel, giving you stronger teeth.

Mini-workout

It’s estimated that kissing can burn up to six calories a minute and that you enlist approximately 30 facial muscles. Considering an average person burns 6.67 calories per min walking at 6 km per hour, the numbers aren’t bad at all. Well kissing might not exactly get rid of those stubborn love handles or give you rock hard abs, but you can feel slightly less guilty about having that glass of wine or some hot fudge sundae for dessert.

Game-changer

Now for most guys this might come out of the blue, but how a guy kisses is often the deciding factor for most women whether they want to be in a relationship with that guy. It’s more than just a precursor for sex for women. They actually judge a guy based on his ability to pucker up.

Facial

Many experts believe that you exercise your facial muscles when you kiss, causing you to keep facial muscles tight. It’s said that kissing helps to improve circulation in your face, which can also help to prevent sagging skin and help to smooth the skin.

Confidence Booster

When you are kissing someone, your self-esteem soars and this provides a myriad of benefits to people. When you feel better, you look better, and that’s always good. (Kissing what men ought to know)

Published : October 11, 2013 4:06 pm | Updated:October 11, 2013 7:02 pm

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