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What is it that makes us want to press our lips against someone else’s? Shirley Kirshenbaum is a researcher from University of Texas who was more than just curious about kissing. She recently wrote a book called “The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling” where she delves into the various angles of what kisses mean and what happens when we carry out this intimate practice.
In her interview with the New York Times, Kirshenbaum relayed that the origin of kissing probably began during our earliest days as infants and toddlers. Breastfeeding and the positive responses we experienced when we started eating food laid the groundwork for why we kiss. Kissing is thought to be a universal experience as anthropologists estimated decades ago that 90 percent of the people in other cultures kiss.
Kirshenbaum was also interviewed by NPR (National Public Radio) and she discussed how our lips are full of sensitive nerve endings. It takes only a slight brush against their skin to send a multitude of signals and impulses to our brains. Our lips are our most exposed erogenous zone. Some perceive the kiss as being more erotic than sex.
In discussing male/female differences, Kirshenbaum referenced a study by Gordon Gallup where 1,000 subjects, both men and women, were interviewed about their perceptions and motivations regarding kissing. Men tend to view kissing as “a means to an end” while women put more significance on the kiss. Women imagine the person they are kissing as a possible mate and partner in reproduction while men are less particular perhaps because they perceive they will have other opportunities to match off.
Red is also considered by most men to be the most attractive color on a woman’s lips. It is thought that our ancestors associated the color red with ripe fruit and perceived red color as a reward. According to Desmond Morris, our lips represent a “genital echo” which is why the opposite sex is drawn to them.
A good kiss causes a release of the chemical oxytocin, and decreases cortisol levels. Oxytocin has also been labeled the “love hormone” and lowered cortisol levels indicate a reduction of stress. Additionally, two other hormones are stimulated: dopamine, which make us feel more cravings and desire and serotonin, which causes us to have more obsessive feelings and thoughts. All and all, a kiss stimulates quite a slew of responses in our bodies.
So next time you are feeling unloved, stressed out and in need of a boost, go find someone to kiss!
sources:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/chatter/2011/02/science-of-kissing.html
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/11/133686008/The-Science-Of-Kissing
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles
Add a Comment1 Comments
How to get a guy to kiss you (tips from Positivemate,,com)
February 28, 2011 - 7:58pmSometimes people who are nervous send out mixed signals. You might want him to kiss you, but your nervous behavior might be saying "stay away."
First of all your posture should be open. Sit or stand close to him. Face him. Look at him, not at the ground. Don't cross your arms or lean away; or, instead of "kiss me" you'll be saying "kiss off!"
Look into his eyes. Smile. Get close to him. If you're not holding hands yet, do it. Ask him to help you remove an earring, or undo the clasp of that gold chain you're wearing. To do that he's got to put both hands
on your neck.
Now turn your head, and look in his eyes, and be quiet. Smile. If he says anything, just interrupt and whisper his name softly. He'll kiss you for sure!
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