Did You Kiss Someone Today?

If you've kissed someone today, you're feeling more elated than any other time. Or maybe, you're happier to know that your relationship is so much more meaningful by kissing someone than if you would have said your goodbye or shook someone's hands. 

Yet the act of kissing is a bit kind of strange than some of us think. According to a 2015 American Anthropologist research article researchers from the University of Nevada and Indiana University studied 168 cultures that found evidence of romantic kissing in 77 societies, or 46 percent, but none in 91 others. That said, the majority of people or 54 percent don't find kissing to be universally accepted or a social norm that people enjoy so much. Therefore, kissing after all is viewed as presumptuous or rude. 

From a health standpoint, although kissing increases the body's serotonin level, a feel-good hormone and lowers stress hormone level known as cortisol, studies find that the amount of bacteria inhabiting our mouths can outnumber the people living in our planet - or over 6 billion bacteria. 

This is without saying that kissing can be harmful and the science behind smooching doesn't bode well. Think of it this way, what actually gives us a sense of enjoyment can actually harm or even kill us. Then again, let's not get caught up with all the evidence that science tell us. For the most part, kissing has more to offer than one might think otherwise. And, we have to put everything into context.

Yes, go ahead if you need to kiss someone. That is, if you're smooching someone to make special connections in a meaningful and loving way, kissing may in fact maintain a more satisfying relationship than just touching someone by the hand. 

Then again, don't assume that kissing someone would be as satisfying to the partner that's on the receiving end. Having good oral hygiene - brushing and flossing regularly - can make any kiss much more enjoyable and positively pleasant.