We oftentimes kiss our partners without thinking much of it. However, kissing is so much more than a random act of love, and science has shown that the act of kissing plays a fundamental role in a happy and strong relationship.

In a recent study published in the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy, researchers Dean M. Busby and Veronica Hanna-Walker from Brigham Young University set out to understand the role of kissing in a relationship. What they found was that kissing frequently is a strong predictor of a satisfying relationship, on both intimate and physical levels.

kiss sketch vector on gray background, crimson lips

To delve deeper into the fascinating topic of kissing and its impact on human relationships, “The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us” is an intriguing read. This book offers a comprehensive look at the science behind kissing, exploring its role in romantic relationships and its importance in human interaction.

“I was interested in this topic because the majority of the research that focuses on physical behavior and its association with relationship and satisfaction has examined intercourse or other overtly sexual behaviors,” explains Hanna-Walker.

“Even though romantic kissing (i.e., kissing a partner on the lips for a romantic purpose) is not seen in all cultures, it is everywhere in Western culture. Movies, T.V. shows, books, and more seem focused on that one magical moment where two people finally share a kiss. I wanted to see how important this seemingly small and common behavior was for romantic relationships. In other words, I wanted to know if romantic kissing was important or not.”

To carry out their study, they used the data collected from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to survey 1,605 participants who had been in long-term and committed relationships.

For those interested in perfecting the art of kissing and understanding its nuances, “The Art of Kissing” is a must-read. This book covers various aspects of kissing, providing insights and tips on how to make kissing a more fulfilling and intimate experience in a relationship.

According to them, the more frequently the participants kissed their partner, the more likely they were to be satisfied physically and feel bonded to their partner on a deeper level. Additionally, kissing also played a major role in whether the individuals reached a cl!max.

“Kissing can be a useful tool in helping the emotional and physical aspects of relationships grow stronger. Kissing your partner more may increase arousal, the likelihood of experiencing an 0rgasm during s ex, and increase feelings of secure attachment between partners. Kissing is a small part of romantic relationships, but it is important to not forget it,” explained to PsyPost.

To explore the broader aspects of intimacy and connection in relationships, “Kissing: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About One of Life’s Sweetest Pleasures” provides a delightful exploration of kissing. It delves into the cultural, historical, and emotional significance of kissing, making it a great addition to the understanding of romantic gestures.

In the future, further studies could be carried out to examine other ways kissing ties into relationship patterns.

“The literature on kissing suggests that men and women think about kissing differently. For example, some research suggests that men believe kissing is more important during the beginning of relationships or leading up to a sexual experience. On the other hand, women seem to put more importance on kissing throughout the relationship and not just the beginning. We controlled for gender, but we did not specifically look at gender differences,” Hanna-Walker stated.

“Another question that needs to be addressed is what does kissing do in couples? Our study looked at people who were in relationships, but we did not ask their partners any questions.”

For couples looking to deepen their bond and communication, “A Year of Us: A Couple’s Journal: One Question a Day to Spark Fun and Meaningful Conversations” is a wonderful tool. This journal encourages couples to engage in daily conversations, fostering a deeper connection and understanding, which can be enhanced through physical expressions of love like kissing.