New research shows how your personality is reflected in your first kiss. The first kiss is a landmark event in the lives of most individuals. You probably remember where you were at the time, who your partner was, and who initiated that all-important first expression of sexuality and affection.
There are over 100 billion complex nerve cells liberally spread throughout the lips. They are the gateway to tiny neurotransmitter molecules that help trigger hormone release including dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and adrenaline. That first passionate kiss causes dopamine to spike in the brain.
Some people want to kiss right away on the first date, but others just need a little more time getting to know each other. Just remember that it's completely normal if someone wants to wait longer if they have different values or beliefs.
No need to wait for the official first date to get a little face time, however. Americans agree kids are ready for their first kiss at age 15 (15.1 on average), while on average, they had theirs at age 14.5.
When you kiss someone, your lips touch and press against their lips. This can cause your lips to swell up as a reaction to the pressure, and an increase in blood flow within the lips. The swelling is usually temporary and should go away after a few minutes.
It turns out, your first romantic kiss is likely to be etched in your memory forever. More than 90% of all people remember the details of their first kiss and, research points out, even more vividly than when they lost their virginity. Researchers from the University of Toronto studied why this happens.
Post first kiss, no matter the circumstances, can often get a little awkward. And that is okay! Learn to embrace this moment, which is honestly less awkward and more exciting, without feeling like you need to say something.
Peck. The peck is a simple, light touch of the lips. The lips might be closed and slightly puckered or pursed, or they might be looser. This is generally what people aim for with their first kiss because it's intimate without being overly sensual.
You Get "Butterflies"
"Your biological stress system is actually activated when you have your first kiss," Seiter says. "But, this doesn't mean you're stressed out. You'll experience increased heart rate, sweating, or butterflies in your stomach; a physiological excitement response."
You can feel his heart race.
You'll probably also notice that he's blushing or breathing a little more heavily. A passionate makeout session releases adrenaline–not only does it kick up his heart rate, but it also boosts his energy. Check if he suddenly seems happy and hyper.
You experience an adrenaline rush: When you kiss someone for the first time, your body will release a burst of adrenaline (the fight-or-flight chemical) which increases your heart rate, boosts your energy levels and gets the blood flowing.
The first kiss is a pivotal moment. It's the primary way to tell if your relationship is romantic or platonic. The quality and timing of that first kiss can be a deal-maker, or breaker. A couple's smooch style can be in perfect harmony from the very beginning.
The dopamine released during a kiss can stimulate the same area of the brain activated by heroin and cocaine. As a result, we experience feelings of euphoria and addictive behaviour. Oxytocin, otherwise known as the 'love hormone', fosters feelings of affection and attachment.
Electric impulses bounce between the brain, lips, tongue and skin, which can lead to the feeling of being on a natural “high” because of a potent cocktail of chemical messengers involved. A passionate kiss acts like a drug, causing us to crave the other person thanks to a neurotransmitter called dopamine.
Ease back out of the kiss, keeping yourself close to your partner's face. After the kiss, pull your head back slowly to give each of you some space. If you wrapped a hand around each other, you can lightly ease off, or hold each other close for a more intimate moment. Look your partner in the eyes and smile.
Say something really romantic, then say, “Would you mind a little kiss?”. But, say it really softly and watch her reaction if/when she says “no”. And again you're probably going to be embarrassed.
You've probably never timed it, but maybe you've wished it lasted longer. In John Gottman's relationship research, he was able to find that six seconds is the length of a kiss that can actually create a connection with your partner. In fact, he recommends you have at least one six-second kiss per day.
First Recorded Kiss (circa 1500 B.C.)
Whatever the case, the earliest known written mentions of it are in Vedic Sanskrit scriptures circa 1500 B.C., according to research by Vaughn Bryant, an anthropology professor at Texas A&M University.
Kissing triggers your brain to release a cocktail of chemicals that leave you feeling oh so good by igniting the pleasure centers of the brain. These chemicals include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which can make you feel euphoric and encourage feelings of affection and bonding.
In terms of an 'average' age, it seems to be 11 for girls and 12 for boys. But don't worry about averages… who wants to be average, anyway! Furthermore, even if his body says he is ready, intellectually, his mind might not be on the same wavelength just yet.
The Narendra Modi government in March announced its decision to increase the age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years under the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
And it turns out that for most people it happens when they're quite young, with 55 percent of people saying they first fell in love between the ages of 15 and 18! Twenty percent of us then fall in love between the ages of 19 an 21, so around the time you're at university or working your first real job.