Most people would agree sex is an important part of a healthy relationship. But according to years worth of research, kissing may actually be more important.
TIME recently reported on researcher Sheril Kirschenbaum's 2011 book, “The Science Of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us,” which discusses the cultural, scientific and physiological reasons why we kiss in romantic relationships.
Thanks to that report, we learned some pretty incredible facts about smooching that'll have you getting ready to pucker up for your one and only.
For example, the book discusses a German study from the 1980s that found men who kiss their wives before work live, on average, five years longer than men who don't. They also tend to make more money than their kissless counterparts (up to 30 percent more) and are about 50 percent less likely to get in a car accident.
Pretty crazy, right?
Though the numbers may fluctuate over time, the pattern — and reasoning — doesn't.
According to psychologists, it's not the act of kissing that makes men healthier and happier, but the mere fact that they kiss, as regular smooching is most likely indicative of a positive attitude and a healthy relationship. In fact, the amount of time a couple spends smooching is directly proportional to their relationship satisfaction.
All this is to say, kissing is super important, so lovers, pucker up: It'll benefit you in the long run.
Learn more fun facts about smooching over at TIME, or pick up “The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us” on Amazon.
Citations: How to Be a Good Kisser – 10 Tips From Scientific Research (TIME)
