Mmmmm…Kissing

Image of kissing couple

Why you need to makeout with your partner…

I’m obsessed with this video, First Kiss. Not surprisingly, it went viral when published on YouTube. I admit that I’ve watched it several times and have been swept into it’s magic each and every time. I notice that when I watch it, I’m relaxed yet a bit nervous. I’m smiling. My heart melts a bit and overall, I feel dreamy.

I realize that we may all attach different meanings to the act of kissing and to this video. For me, this video represents connection, courage, risk and ultimately, the release of fear. This clip captures the process of moving toward intimacy.

In my work, I see a repetitive pattern amongst those who struggle in their sex lives. Lack of foreplay. Many couples report that they jump into bed, fondle each other’s genitals and within 5 minutes, start some form of penetration. Is it any wonder that they feel disconnected, dissatisfied and that one or both partners has lost sexual desire?

This video allows us to watch intimacy unfold. These strangers begin with an awkward stance, uncertain of when to start kissing, even verbalizing the “awkward moment” before a first kiss. Through their giggling, bowed down heads and shuffling of feet, they reveal anxiety and anticipation. They don’t just dive into it.

Once they cross over that invisible boundary and touch lips, they become magical. They cradle each other’s bodies and heads, some grab and pull each other. We see a tender lip bite, loving caresses, whole-body engagement – all from a kiss.

As the video comes to an end, these strangers pull away softly, seal their experience with a double smooch, a head or hand hold or sustained eye contact. Some look away, giggle and wonder what to do next. It’s almost as if they regressed to the innocence of their early sexual experiences.

Do you remember your very first romantic kiss in life?

I can remember three distinct experiences. My very first was a peck on the cheek in 1st grade. The giggling on the playground seemed infinite. The second was in 7th grade. I remember it as sloppy, awkward and not enjoyable, although for some reason, I went back for more. The third was with my spouse – a magical, sweep-me-off-my-feet, don’t-ever-let-it-end, fall in love kiss.

When two people allow themselves to fully engage in their kiss, the power of this meeting cannot be matched. For some, kissing is better than sex. Even Julia Robert’s had a rule of no lip-kissing with her sex customers in the movie Pretty Woman. Kissing made the sex experience intimate, not intercourse.

Suggested Read

In The Guide To Getting It On, author Paul Joannides wrote, “Another reason for the added power of kissing is so  many of the major senses have their outlets on the human face. There are vision, smell, hearing and taste, and the lips and skin are exquisitely sensitive to touch”.

For those of you who have pushed kissing to the back seat of your sexual experience, it’s time to bring it front and center. In fact, I highly encourage you to only kiss. Have full on make out sessions. Kiss passionately in all rooms of your house, outside, in the car, on the street, in an elevator, wherever your lips travel in a given day.

Juicy, luscious kisses will bring your sex life renewed energy. So, so sexy.

ADDENDUM! After posting this blog, I learned that this video was actually an advertisement for a clothing company. Clearly, I was fooled! However, I think the actors and models really captured the essence of a magical kiss. They beautifully transform awkward into magical. I still hold onto my view on kissing. It doesn’t happen enough. It’s a powerful form of sexual expression, communication and foreplay. And yes, it’s incredibly sexy!

5 Reasons Women Do Not Want Sex

5 Reasons Women Do Not Want Sex

Society and Your Sex Life Society and it’s social norms strongly shape your sex life. As a child and adolescent, you absorbed messages from your family, friends, school system, neighbors, community, place of worship, politics, movies, books, magazines, social media...

read more
What Happens in Sex Therapy?

What Happens in Sex Therapy?

 Feeling ambivalent about sex therapy?  When a couple comes in for sex therapy, I can feel their combined energy of eagerness and hesitation. On the one hand, you've finally decided to get help for a sexual concern. You did your research to find a qualified therapist,...

read more
Why Couples Can’t Communicate

Why Couples Can’t Communicate

We Can't Communicate No matter what issue couples present in therapy, 97% of them will cite communication as a core problem in their relationship. In a recent post, I shared that the #1 predictor of divorce is a lack of love. When the “in love” phase of your new...

read more

SIGN UP

for the FREE 10 Day Intimacy Challenge

10 Day Intimacy Challenge

SIGN UP for FREE

10 days & 10 ways to show your love and build a deeper connection.

Thanks for subscribing! Watch your inbox for messages from me. 💗