A lot of times relationships are the first things that suffer when we get stressed. We don’t make time to hang out with friends, call our mom, or tell our significant other that we love him/her. It seems weird to me that we shut out the things that make us happy.
What can we do to heal our stressed mind and heart? There have been studies that suggest that kissing does a lot more than just show affection. The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips are Telling Us is a book that was written to help explain what exactly kisses to for the mind, heart, and body. This article gives an overview of some of the studies that Kirshenbaum, the writer of the book, uses.
Kissing boosts levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. The amount of oxytocin, the “love hormone” increases. The release of this drug triggers attachment; whether it be between a couple or a mother and a child.
According to a psychologist Gordon Gallup of the University of Albany, associates that a subconscious sense of smell gives clues about the other person’s DNA or reproductive status. Women are more attracted to men who have a very different genetic code immune system than their own. This may be because potential children would have a higher level of genetic diversity, making them healthier and more likely to survive. So while men use kissing as a means of gaining sexual favors, women kiss more as a mate-assessment device.
Men were found to initiate tongue contact. One theory behind this is that men have trace amounts of testosterone in their saliva. Over a period of months or years, the testosterone could raise the woman’s levels and potentially increase her libido.
So kissing for humans is a little like a peacock showing its colors to the female. Men show off their DNA and kissing skills and women determine whether he is a suitable mate. Who knew that kissing had so much biological importance behind it?
I like the picture you used in your post. Do other animal species besides humans kiss each other as well? I'm guessing the answer is yes because the two fish are kissing, but it I guess it could just be coincidence. Good post.
ReplyDeleteYea that book I mentioned addresses this fact. There are many animals that "kiss" to show affection. They believe us kissing came from the evolution of mothers feeding their young with their mouths. This intimate action gave a special bond to the mother and young.
ReplyDeleteReally interesting and useful post. I guess girls really can tell if he is the right guy from the first kiss, at least genetically anyway.
ReplyDeleteAH! You say communication is tough, but here you are following Olson's advice and going for the lower organs :). Nice work. I like the comments about animals--our dog Milo has to lick us on the hand every time we come in the house, and nuzzles us good night every night before he lays down to sleep. It's interesting there's a biological imperative for this.
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