Why Do Humans Want to Kiss?
- Chemicals Released: Kissing causes chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin to be released, leading to feelings of pleasure, affection, and attachment.
- Assessment of Mates: Kissing allows the assessment of potential mates, reflecting emotional bonding.
- Kissing and Emotional Bonding: People kiss more before sex with romantic partners than casual encounters due to the emotional bonding it facilitates.
Kissing likely originated long ago from mothers premasticating food for infants. The comforting act led mothers to press lips to babies’ faces in affection. Later, levels of kissing reflected social rank in ancient Rome.
Although kissing is practiced nearly globally, it doesn’t occur in every culture. The reason seems learned behavior that feels good so it persisted evolutionarily. Talking with your mate can clarify expectations around kissing. Counseling also offers help if you want to improve physical affection in your relationship.