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).


What is meant by a prolonged hug? Sometime between 15 seconds and 30 seconds can be enough to elicit the desired response. Remember, our body is 90% bacteria, aka germs, and even though you may be tempted to call them “cooties” you aren’t too far off. See, we are all a walking, breathing, eating, sleeping, thinking, talking petri dish. Give the fact that we are all essentially infectious diseases waiting to happen.

Why kiss at all then? Because when the mutual desire to breach microbial clouds and co-create a unique microbiome, it means we are actively co-creators in a new universe. In this universe, you can even strengthen or weaken another's microbiome which could produce healing effects. New evidence shows that gut bacteria is linked to mental health.

Returning to the question … you an initiate a kiss by slowing sharing a little personal space. Try standing at arms length from someone for 15 seconds, while making eye contact. Better yet, let you eyes wander from head to toe and then from toe to eyes … say something sincere and positive like “I like your shoes!” That will help the time go by faster. Eventually, by allowing your microbial clouds to mix, she/he may develop an irresistible impulse to be close to you. That’s chemistry.

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