Initiate the kiss ...

I was asked recently, how should a person initiate a kiss? This is a great question. The key to kissing is stimulate desire and attraction. Given what we are learning about microbiome and microbial cloud - our physiology and especially our surface and airborne bacteria can elicit desire as easily as it can elicit a hunger impulse. It’s true that kissing is listed among the most intimate exchanges between humans. It is also true that prolonged hugging or hand holding/stroking can elicit the release of oxytocin (the bonding hormone).

Why kiss?

Asking the question, "why kiss?" actually leads to a great discussion. The latest research reveals that each of us has a microbial cloud that follows us wherever we go, records what we do, and eventually may be able to track with whom we interact. In the not so distant future, our microbial imprint will be detectable. Your microbial cloud is more unique than your fingerprint. Imagine that if you are a crime scene - you leave microscopic evidence of your presence. The good news is that a microbial cloud will deteriorate over time. Like DNA evidence the applications and potential is enormous. Unlike DNA, you will not be required to voluntarily submit a sample. So, what does this have to do with kissing?

Chemistry?

Before you go kissing someone, consider this new and profound finding. Each of us emits a unique combination of microbes, some innocuous and others possibly deadly. This phenomenon has been referred to as the "human microbiome." Like the Peanuts character Pigpen, each and every one of us walks around emitting a "microbial cloud" that is undetectable with the human eye. This unique emission is can even distinguish one human from another. This may be more unique than a fingerprint.

Is kissing illegal?

You might be surprised that there are obscure laws related to kissing. While a cordial and non-erotic peck may seem innocuous to you, there are some places where there are actually laws on the books that would discourage your expression of affection - in public as well as in private. Keep in mind, these laws are not likely to land you in prison or require that you pay a hefty fine. However, if the local sheriff is having a bad day, your innocuous lipwork may just result in YOU and your co-conspirator getting thumped by the law.

Is kissing too good to be true?

Is there really a science about kissing? Of course there is! It is a mix of psychology, sexology, physiology and sociology. There are measurable health benefits to kissing. The biological reaction to prolonged kissing results in appetite suppression, vasodilation, mild tachycardia, labidol contagion and a release of oxytocin. The effects have been known to boost metabolic activity, leading to short-term weight loss.

Philematology

You must remember this,
a kiss is just a kiss,
a sigh is just a sigh.

"As Time Goes By"
written by Herman Hupfield in 1931

With all due respect to Mr. Hupfield, a kiss is NEVER "just" a kiss. This single behavior, among mammals, involves one creature pressing their lips against another creature or object and is always symbolic of something more intimate.