Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

History of Kissing: Why do we lock lips?

Aug 11, 2023

Emmy award-winning scientist and author Sheril Kirshenbaum joins to explore the history, science, and societal perception of kissing. Topics include the origin of kissing, cultural variations, the chemical basis of a romantic kiss, and gender differences in views of kissing.

40:01

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Episode guests

Sheril Kirshenbaum

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Kissing is a complex and context-dependent act, conveying various meanings and intentions depending on the situation and individuals involved.

Kissing has a profound impact on our bodies and emotions, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and norepinephrine that enhance desire, closeness, and excitement.

Deep dives

The history and significance of kissing

Kissing is a complex and context-dependent act with various meanings and intentions. It can convey affection, sexuality, caring, and more, depending on the situation and the individuals involved. The origins of kissing can be traced back thousands of years, with evidence found in ancient texts and cultural practices. Kissing has been studied from different scientific perspectives, including neuroscience, endocrinology, and anthropology, to understand its biological and social significance. Factors like scent, taste, and physical proximity play a role in attraction and mate selection through kissing. Overall, kissing is a fundamental and universal human behavior that continues to intrigue researchers and individuals alike.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the History and Significance of Kissing

2min

The Science Behind Kissing

13min

Gender Differences in Views of Kissing

4min

The Chemical Basis of a Romantic Kiss

18min

The Beauty of a Kissing Montage

3min

A good old smooch. It’s something that we do on a daily basis in one form or another (if we’re lucky), and yet have you ever stopped and wondered why we do it?

Wonder no more.

On today’s Betwixt the Sheets we’re joined by Emmy award-winning scientist and author of The Science of Kissing, Sheril Kirshenbaum, to find out answers to questions such as, why has the letter X has come to mean a kiss? What role has the colour of our lips played in our evolution? And why do men prefer kissing with more saliva?

This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

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