Why do we kiss?

Kissing science: photo credit: David BallGeorge Gallup says the first kiss a couple share could make or break the relationship. Two thirds of women (59% of men) reported on occasion finding themselves attracted to someone, only to lose interest after kissing them for the first time.

"The complicated exchange of information that occurs during a kiss may inform evolved, unconscious mechanisms about instances of possible genetic incompatibility," Gallup says.

Evolutionary Psychology

Gallup surveyed 1041 students on their attitudes to kissing (Evolutionary Psychology, vol 5, p 612) pdf.

Results showed that females place more importance on kissing as a mate assessment device and as a means of initiating, maintaining, and monitoring the current status of their relationship with a long-term partner. In contrast, males place less importance on kissing, especially with short-term partners, and appear to use kissing to increase the likelihood of having sex. The results suggest that kissing may play an important role as an adaptive courtship/mating ritual.

This study addresses variables like breath odor, tongue contact, attractiveness, and kissing after sex, comparing the difference between males and females.

Souce: New Scientist Tech.