"A kiss is just a kiss," the oldsong goes, but not according to a new study that finds kissing helps peopleassess potential partners and, once in a relationship, keep them around. Why iskissing so significant? When we are that close to another person, all of oursenses are engaged, allowing our bodies to assess compatibility and thepotential for a long-term relationship. A good romantic kiss quickens ourpulse and dilates our pupils, which is probably part of the reason so many ofus close our eyes. Our brains receive more oxygen than normal and breathing canbecome irregular and deepen. Our cheeks flush, too, but that’s only thebeginning. Oxytocin, popularly called the “love hormone,” is involved inbonding, fostering a sense of attachment. This is the chemical likelyresponsible for maintaining a loving relationship over years and decades.
Previous research also has found that womenplace greater value on behaviours that strengthen long-term relationships. Thissurvey found that the importance of kissing changed depending on whether peoplewere in a short- or long-term relationship, and that women rated kissing asmore important in long-term relationships. This suggests that kissing alsoplays an important role in maintaining affection and attachment amongestablished couples. "Kissing in human sexual relationships is incrediblyprevalent in various forms across just about every society and culture. Nomatter what the outcome, a first kiss is very likely to be unforgettable.
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