By Annette Pinder
According to several recent studies, Psych Central authors say that kissing can be beneficial to your mood and well-being, as well as to your romantic relationships. While some people do not enjoy kissing, the majority of people say kissing makes them feel good.
Kissing releases endorphins, such as oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone,” aids in social bonding. Kissing also decreases stress-inducing cortisol, and another survey finds that affectionate touch can improve a person’s well-being.
There are many reasons why engage in kissing, including as a way to show affection, as well as fondness for a romantic partner, and increase the connection to your romantic partner.
Kissing is often considered an integral part of sexual activity, and frequency and quality of kissing is associated with both sexual and relationship satisfaction. Studies showed that arousal levels, orgasms, and event-specific sexual satisfaction and emotional connection increased with kissing frequency in romantic relationships.
If you are not yet convinced of kissing’s overall benefits, Psych Central authors say kissing may help you choose your lifelong partner, especially during a relationship’s courtship phase, since kissing influences attraction. Another study finds that having a partner who is a good kisser is a predictor of a relationship that provides a higher degree of intimacy beyond sexual satisfaction.
When not engaged in for romantic reasons, kissing is common as a greeting among many cultures, including in Spain, France, and Italy, where kisses on both cheeks are a way to say hello. This is also a cultural norm of Mediterranean countries. Since kissing has many benefits for mental and physical health, not the least of which is stress reduction, the authors suggest doing more of it!
