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t’s the end of the first date and as he is walking her
jo the door, the only thing on both their minds is
Ivhat happens next. It is either dreaded or antici
pated, depending on the person, but one thing is for
pertain — it is what keeps a relationship together
or ends it forever.
I The kiss is the universal display of affection
shared between couples. It can represent a sign of
romance, love, eroticism or even innocence.
[ Megan Kloppenburg, a freshman business major,
said kissing is the best way to measure the sub
stantial outcome of a relationship.
[ “Kissing tells a person whether the relationship
\h worth pursuing,” she said. “A good kiss will usu
ally lead to more romance, but a Liad kiss will allow
for good stories to share with friends.”
| There are several theories as to how the kiss orig
inated and about the roots of kissing.
According to the Washington State University
tebsite, the most popular theory of the kiss was hy-
othesized by anthropologists several years ago.
Kissing evolved from an ancient practice called
‘premastication,’ which is when a mother chews
iood and then transfers it into the mouth of their
child.
While most societies now manufacture baby
food, this was probably a common practice in earli
er times. It is not difficult to see how this activity
ipould have eventually evolved into the modern kiss.
Another theory suggests kissing dates back as
early as 2000 B.C. This hypothesis is of a more reli
gious nature.
The Website said,“Individuals would bring their
faces together in gestures of spiritual union and fu
sion.”
This suggestion can also be related to the Eskimo
nose rub, a sign of affection and acceptance in
Alaskan society.
Cultural interpretations and meanings of kisses
also exist. For example, there are certain types of
kissing in American culture most people would un
derstand and recognize.
In an Internet article titled “Different Types of
Kisses,” found on the “Art of Kissing” Website, three
of the most common types of kisses are listed.
The social kiss is one shared between family
members and friends.
The article said, “This kiss is probably the most
varied between people, as it can occur most often or
not at all. However, a quick kiss on the cheek or lips
between family and friends is an easily recognized
cultural sign, which conveys love and affection.”
A second kiss easily recognized is the ceremoni
al kiss, common in most European countries as well
as the United States.
The article describes this kiss as “an act of greet
ing among heads of state or other dignitaries upon
meeting. This type of kiss, usually applied to each
side of the face, goes beyond social symbolism to
political symbolism — it signifies goodwill on the
part of both parties.”
The third kiss is the most widely practiced form
of intimate behavior — the romantic kiss.
“The romantic kiss was first adopted by the Ro
mans and continues to be performed as a gesture of
love and affection between couples,” the Internet ar
ticle said.
No two people kiss alike, and that is simply be
cause every person has their own technique. Kiss
ing is a learned behavior and therefore requires prac
tice.
However, sometimes practicing in public is not
always appreciated. Brian Blankenship, a junior
business major, said public displays of affection
(PDA) can often times be viewed as offensive or
rude.
“I think there is a time and place for that (PDA)
elsewhere,” he said. “Kissing in public is tacky and
rude and should be avoided in all public areas.”
There are also other social ramifications associ
ated with kissing. Infectious diseases can be con
tracted through saliva exchange.
Along with the common cold and fever blisters,
herpes is easily contracted through kissing.
A virus marked by blisters on the mouth and lips,
herpes can be treated with antibiotics and medica
tion.
According to the Website “Health Answers,” the
most severe infectious disease contracted through
kissing is mononucleosis. Mononucleosis is de
scribed as an “acute viral infection causing high tem
perature, sore throat and swollen lymph glands, es
pecially in the neck.”
Mononucleosis is very contagious, and can be
contracted easily from close contact. Kissing should
definitely be avoided.
Kissing has long been a favorite topic for maga
zines and tabloids. Tips and hints on how to give
the perfect kiss and what to do circulate frequently.
Brenda Byers, a psychology professor at Texas
A&M, said kissing does have some natural basis.
“Although there are biological and evolutionary
explanations for the phenomenon of kissing, in our
society, kissing is a part of our script for what love
should be like,” she said. “Scripts tell us how to act
in specific situations. For example, our script for
Valentine’s Day includes flowers and candy. Kissing
is one of the behaviors that occurs [when people]
enact their scripts for loving.”
R. J. Sternburg, a noted psychologist, said, “Love
may involve various combinations of passion, inti
macy and commitment. Although kissing may oc
cur with several types of love, the more passion peo
ple experience in a relationship, the more erotic the
behavior.”
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