The Kiss of Life

Ever wonder why humans kiss? If you've ever stopped and watched 2 people kiss, you'll probably notice how odd the activity really is. How has this strange ritual evolved into one of the most expressive gestures in our society?
I genuinely wanted to find the answer so I went hunting on the internet, and found an article about the possible origins of kissing.

The author of this article, Joshua Foer, explains that there are two basic theories about the kiss. 1.) Kissing is a human universal; an innate trait. OR 2.) We invented it.

As odd as it is, I've come to the conclusion that humans created the act of kissing because kissing is not the same in every culture. If it was a human instinct, it would have the same meaning for all humans all over the world, and it most certainly does not. For example, the Chinese do not value kissing the way Americans do. In fact, Foer claims that in 1990, the Beijing-based Workers' Daily advised its readers that "the invasive Europeans brought the kissing custom to China, but it is regarded as a vulgar practice which is all too suggestive of cannibalism."


"Suggestive of cannibalism"?! This blew my mind out of the water, but only because I've been raised in the United States and the US values kissing and romance very highly. Just look at box office statistics. The epic romance film Titanic is the 2nd highest grossing movie in US history (IMDB)! (Don't hate- I've seen it 13 times)


We love romance in America! And a huge part of that has to do with the American Dream. At least for me, romance is part of the "American Dream Equation". Grow up, go to school, meet your soulmate, fall in love, have babies, and happily grow old together. It's the way life is supposed to work, right?
Any other ideas why we all (Yes, I know you do too) cherish a good kiss?