Let’s face it – we all kiss, and prefer to be kissed, in different ways. It’s an artform of personal preference. There are people who use a lot of tongue, there are people who prefer lip teasing, and there are people who seek admiration through a peck.
International Kissing Day (July 6th) has been an iconic British holiday since 2006, and whatever your preference is, we’re using this International Kissing Day to celebrate lovers and try new things. Kissing plays an important role in social bonding, and mixing it up with your partner is a fun refresher in keeping things exciting.
The Science Behind Kissing & What Makes It So Exciting
Love, passion, romance, and you guessed it, sex, all depend on cultural context. Kissing rarely even exists between animals, so what draws us to kiss? We can’t conclude how kissing began, but scientists have come up with a few theories. The most widely accepted theory is that kissing releases pheremones, a secreted chemical factor that sends signals between humans, and helps identify a suitable mating partner.
Another theory suggests that kissing is actually a learned behavior. Critics of the instinctual theory point out that 10% of the world’s cultures don’t even kiss. Regardless, kissing releases a lot of good feelings, like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and adrenaline. Kissing, for women especially, also leads to more orgasms. Affectionate foreplay before and after sex causes higher satisfaction levels.
Kissing Fun Facts
- One kiss can contain up to 80 million bacteria which can strengthen the immune system
- On average, people spend over 300 hours of their lives kissing
- The world record for the longest kiss stands at 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds
- Star Trek features the first interracial kiss in 1966
- Lips are 100 times more sensitive than fingertips
- Intense kissing can burn up to 6 calories per minute
Celebrate With Different Types of Kisses
The Peck on the Lips
Even though this is most likely what our first kisses in elementary school resembled, the peck is an admirational kiss that reminds your partner that it doesn’t always have to be sexual. A kiss can mean so many things: thank you, I love you, I’m sorry I stole your last bite of pizza, etc.
The French Kiss
I once met a French guy on a semester abroad who told me he invented the French kiss. I didn’t know whether I should scoff or commend him for having the balls to say something so dumb. I ended up locking lips with him that night, and boy, the French sure are passionate. This kiss is all about the rhythmic art of tongue.
The Kiss on the Hand
This is a kiss to let your partner know that chivalry is not dead and gentlemen still exist. It’s also sweet and innocent, and totally makes me want to rip someone’s clothes off. Just saying.
The Kiss Somewhere Else
One time, I had a guy kiss me in the crevice of my nose. As confused as I was, he said he wanted to kiss me somewhere no one else had. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. If you’re looking for a smooth move, this is it.
The Three-way Kiss
This one’s on reserve for those who are looking to have some extra fun this International Kissing Day. Maybe even try a kissing game like spin the bottle or truth or dare. You know what they say, two’s a party and three’s an even bigger party…
The Most Notorious Kisses in History
V-J Day Times Square (1945)
Although controversial, this WWII kiss between a sailor and a nurse is one of the most notable kisses in history, having even been turned into a statue. The couple remained a mystery for years before facial recognition and forensic analysis gave further insight.
Titanic (1997)
I’m pretty sure the steamy kiss between Jack and Rose was my first ever fantasy. Let’s not forget about the hand streaking down the car window though. So hot, literally.
Upside-down Spider-Man Kiss (2002)
The upside-down kiss is probably the most notable kisses in film history between Mary Jane Watson and Spider-Man. It’s pouring rain, he’s in his Spidey-suit, and she’s in a pink tank top… I can see it now.
Britney Spears, Madonna & Christina Aguilera (2003)
If you haven’t seen the epic stage kiss between these hot celebrities at the 2003 MTV VMAs, you’re missing out. It was an incredible power move that had girls and guys everywhere jumping from their couches.
Why is This Day Important?
International Kissing Day is a day to leverage the simple task of appreciating your partner, FWB, or whoever else it may be that you enjoy kissing. Occasionally, we need a reminder to appreciate the relationships we’ve built in life, but really this can be celebrated every day. Plus, it’s a good tactic in finally sealing a kiss with someone new. Use chapstick!
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