Question: What tips do you have for kissing someone? How can someone better enjoy the experience?

Why kissing rocks.

It can make your sex hotter and even heighten the small, everyday interactions with your partner, a thing we sexologists call “sexual currency.” A study from The Archive of Sexual Behavior shows that kissing helps to increase pair bonding and feelings of intimacy between partners. 

It’s these small moments of slightly lusty affection that establishes you and your partner as sexual beings who relate one another erotically The study also showed that couples who engaged in regular romantic kissing were more likely to see these smooch-fests turn into further sexual engagement.

Kissing builds intimacy.

Kissing produces a chemical reaction in the brain, especially oxytocin, which is the bonding and love chemical. So, kissing someone brings you closer to them, making you feel more intimate. Another study from Sexual and Relationship Therapy provides evidence that kissing frequency is a positive indicator of overall sexual and relationship satisfaction between couples.

Make kissing a priority.

By making kissing a priority (kissing every single day), you’re sure to see an increase in feelings of bonding and attachment to your partner. We’re basically biologically designed to kiss. Get on it!

Slow it down.

If you’ve found that kissing has fallen to the wayside (trust me, I see it all the time), you may benefit from literally putting time aside for intimacy on your calendar. I know that doesn’t sound like the hottest thing ever, but it really works. Make sure you set aside 30 to 40 minutes that are just for you and your partner to reconnect, kiss, cuddle, and even have sex, if you’re in the mood for it. Intimacy is how we keep that spark alive. It takes mutual effort from both partners.

XOXO Gigi

This article originally appeared as an interview with MBG.

Order the book: All The F*cking Mistakes: a guide to sex, love, and life.