Fertility News

Kissing, An Evolutionary Tool In Finding A Mate - 09/05/2007

A recent study shows how important kisses, in particular first kisses, were for women in deciding which mate to choose. The researchers in the study from New York University at Albany suggest that kissing was developed as an evolutionary tool for women to find the most suitable father for their children.

The study compiled answers from 1,000 students and their opinions on kissing. It found that women in the study not only placed more importance on kissing, but also were more reliant than men on using kissing as an assessment technique.

Gordon Gallup, a psychologist and the lead author of the study, stated that many forces and factors come into play in the formation of romantic relationships. The first kiss, for many men, can be the one that breaks or makes a chance for a second date. He also noted that kissing, is a courtship ritual, although not universal. It may help stimulate mechanisms that work to discourage procreation among persons who are genetically incompatible.

Other findings in the study showed how bad breath and an unpleasant personality were a turn-off for women, because they were interpreted as signs of poor health. Interestingly, the study also found that tongue contact and saliva exchange helped both sexes subconsciously assess their partner. Studies have shown that women’s breath can reveal hormone levels and fertility, where men’s saliva contains small amounts of the sex hormone testosterone.

Source: The Times of India

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