A study by scientists from the University of Oxford, USA, highlights the significant role of kissing in finding a partner and maintaining long-term relationships.
>>> Kissing from a Scientific Perspective
To conduct this research, scientists surveyed 900 young individuals, asking about the importance of kissing in the early stages of a relationship, with a long-term partner, and the role of kissing right before, during, and after sexual activity.
The survey results indicated that female participants who were attractive or had unstable relationships—groups known for being selective in their partner choices—placed a high value on the role of kissing in new relationships. This can also be seen as a form of assessing compatibility with future partners.
Kissing can play an important role in finding a partner and maintaining relationships. (Image: Fotolia)
According to psychologists, individuals with many potential “candidates” tend to be more selective, and kissing can help them find the right match. One popular hypothesis suggests that kissing may help us unconsciously assess the genetic traits of a partner through their scent or taste. Meanwhile, another hypothesis posits that kissing can prolong and sustain male-female relationships, and with its potential to create arousal, kissing may also relate to sexual attraction.
“The process of choosing and getting to know a partner of the opposite sex is quite complex. It involves a series of evaluative stages during which individuals may question whether they should deepen a relationship,” said Professor Robin Dunbar from the University of Oxford, one of the authors of the study, as reported by the Telegraph.
Humans are adept at assessing where it is appropriate to initiate romantic relationships that align with their desires. This ability also depends on each individual’s selection capacity. When choices are made wisely, individuals may feel adequately empowered to seek more and can be more selective when encountering potential partners.