And just when I was getting used to being single in the summer. July 6th rolls around; International Kissing Day. It’s like a second Valentine’s Day but less sweet. I mean really, no chocolate? But then I think. Sure dedicating an entire day to acknowledge one single pucker of the lips may seem slightly over-the-top, yet there truly is no other display of emotion in which everyone can relate. There’s the double kiss-on-the-cheek in a hello/goodbye exchange, the kiss on the forehead, the more royal (or flirtatious?) kiss on the hand, the cute little peck by the 4-year old at the playground, the rubbing together of noses which, in some cultures, signifies a type of kissing exchange, and then of course the variety named after the French. The kiss transcends all cultures, age, race, and sex. In that case, dear kiss, you deserve your day. In fact, take the week.
The origins of the kiss are not exactly known, yet anthropologists believe it may have originated from the feeding rituals between animal mothers and their young, where the mothers chew and break down food before passing it directly to their offspring with their mouths. I know. Romance at its finest. Apparently, the romantic notion associated with the kiss only developed afterwards, when it evolved to fulfill three essential needs: sex drive, romantic love and attachment. Anyone who has ever kissed anyone – (and to clarify, I am now I’m referring to the oh-so-passionate variety) - can tell you quite simply that a lot of things take place while in a lip-lock. Why? Well the science of it all, naturally. A kiss causes a flurry of biological reactions to take place. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are released in the brain, which then promote a sense of desire and anticipation. This, in turn causes a spike in oxytocin, or the “love hormone” (which coincidentally, also presents itself during sex). This hormone works to increase social bonding and attachment, while simultaneously decreasing cortisol levels, and thus stress. So from me to you – xoxo
Note: the author is no longer single and is very much looking forward to this year's July 6th.
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