10 Quirky Facts about Kissing

I remember my first kiss like it was yesterday. In middle school, a few friends told me they would do my homework if I puckered up to my new boyfriend. I must say; a homework-free week was enjoyable, but looking back on it today, I think to myself: “Did I really trade my lips for a few homework assignments?” Gross! 

 Now that I’m older and I understand the emotional, non-lucrative aspects of kissing, I’m curious about the historic and scientific facts behind it. 

1. Kissing can help improve many health issues. When you’re locking lips with your lover, hormones and endorphins that can help relieve stress, blood pressure and slow the aging process are released.                                               
2. Kissing makes a prettier smile. The saliva stimulated from kissing can help wash away plaque and other debris. As gross as that sounds, at least you’ll have healthier teeth.                                                                                          
3. People are born with kissing instincts. Scientists believe the tendency to tilt the head sideways while kissing developed in the womb.                                       
4. Curse words. The popular phrase “Kiss my ass” traces back as far as 1705.      
5. Kissing for fun. In 2005, a British couple set the record for the world’s longest kiss, which lasted 31 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds.                                      
6. Getting into shape.  A passionate kiss can burn up to 6 calories a minute. It takes a serious make out session to burn off that slice of chocolate cake.             
7. Prehistoric kissing. Some scientists suggest kissing evolved from prospective mates checking pheromones for biological compatibility. Sounds similar to what we do today, except after dinner and a movie.                                                                             
8. Luck of the Irish. Millions of people travel to the Blarney Castle in Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone. Many believe one can inherit “the gift of gab,” which isn’t easy because one has to hang over the castle’s wall to reach it. A man has died chasing this good fortune.                                                                                                             
9. More than swapping spit. When two people kiss, they exchange millions of bacteria.                                                                                                                     
10. Hope for the millions of bacteria. There’s a compound in saliva that can help speed the healing process, which is how the phrase “lick your wounds” was coined.