Are We Kissing Enough?
Manage episode 475780171 series 2980194
When was the last time you really kissed your spouse? Not a quick peck as you rush out the door, but a genuine, meaningful connection? Matthew and Monica Powers tackle this deceptively simple question that reveals volumes about modern marriages.
The statistics might shock you – 16% of married couples kiss just once daily, while a staggering 10% kiss only once or twice weekly. These numbers correlate directly with relationship satisfaction, with couples who kiss less frequently reporting dramatically higher divorce rates. But why aren't people kissing their spouses? "We're too busy" tops the list of excuses, though the same individuals likely find time for social media scrolling and Netflix binges.
Science backs up what our hearts already know: kissing matters. Each kiss releases powerful chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine that reduce stress, boost immunity, and create feelings of connection. One fascinating study from the 1960s even found that men who kissed their wives before leaving for work lived an average of five years longer than those who didn't.
For couples wanting more physical affection, communication is key. Using "I statements" like "I miss feeling close to you" instead of accusatory "You never kiss me" language opens the door for honest conversation without triggering defensiveness. The podcast offers practical tips for better kissing – from the importance of oral hygiene to experimenting with different kissing styles – and suggests six seconds as the scientific "sweet spot" for a meaningful kiss.
Ask your spouse today: "Are we kissing enough?" Their answer might reveal more about your relationship than you realize – and could be the first step toward rekindling physical connection in your marriage.
Chapters
1. Do We Kiss Enough? (00:00:00)
2. Shocking Stats About Married Couples Kissing (00:05:06)
3. The Benefits of Kissing (00:11:02)
4. Communicating About Physical Affection (00:16:52)
5. Ways to Improve Your Kissing (00:22:13)
6. Ask Your Spouse This Question Today (00:25:15)
91 episodes