With the holidays, there’s a whole lot of kissing going on.  There are all those air-kissing parties, passionate embraces of long-parted lovers descending into one another’s arms—from flights around the world, families reuniting in hugs and kisses, and all that mistletoe to make use of.  It’s just the season of the SMOOCH.  So, with that in mind, how about some enlightenment about the whole subject and science of kissing? 

First:  A definition.   A kiss is the autonomic juxtaposition of two articular muscles in the state of contraction.

Pretty sexy, huh?

That, no kidding, is the scientific definition of a kiss.  Thank Mrs. Maude Hildreth for this, please.  She was my eighth grade biology teacher who tested me on this stunning bit of nearly useless information—which has remained forever imbedded in my mental file, labeled, “Your-gonna-be-glad-you-know-this-someday!”   Now, that I can pass this on to you……yes, I am…..so glad about it.  

Another reason I remember this so clearly, after all these years, is that Maude’s prickly, vociferous demeanor was such you could never imagine her puckering up, for anyone or anything.  Not even a puppy.  During this phase of biology, we were supposed to be learning the scientific definitions of all kinds of common bodily functions—like chewing, for example.  But, the definition of chewing, has escaped me altogether, because I could imagine Maude chewing….everything.  Sometimes she would show up in class, with little strings and chards of lunch still hanging from the gaps in her teeth.  This whole kissing thing made quite the impression on me….and not for the obvious 14 year old, hormonal reason.  From this Maude-ness,  I learned the value of juxtapostion—-when two unlikely things get paired together in some kind of stunning contrast……it becomes more memorable.  Thank you Maude for all these life lessons in science and contrast.  Who knew?  But……now, back to the smooching stats.

Did you know that you will spend approximately 2 weeks of your life…..kissing?  Americans lock lips for an average of 336 hours—-or more than 20,000 minutes over a lifetime.

Kissing helps you look and feel younger.  Kissing can slow the aging process because of the pleasure chemicals released within the brain and it tones facial muscles.  You can also burn up to six calories a minute.  Wonder what would happen if you could kiss the person next to you on the treadmill?

Americans coined the term French kissing in 1923.  The French did not have to call it anything—they all ready knew what they were doing.

But, here’s the most important thing to remember, now and forever about kissing.  No matter the age, the desire for closeness and intimacy never dissipates—a kiss is always something special between two people. A kiss, even a peck on the check,  creates moment of magic between two people.  It is something we always remember.  Hugs, we forget.  But….I bet you remember everything about the the first time you kissed your husband or wife or significant other—-or, try this one—-the very first kiss you ever had with anyone.  Don’t you remember where you were, what was happening around you, what music was playing……..can’t you take yourself back there in a heartbeat?  See what I mean?  Remembering our kisses, even for a moment is like a laser, right to the heart. And, that’s a good thing.

Pucker up this holiday.  Exercise those articular muscles.