Six Seconds
By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
Relationship experts such as John Gottman have recommended for years that couples should do more than just a slight peck when they kiss.
Of course, a slight peck is okay, but the experts recommend a kiss that lasts at least 6 to 7 seconds. Those 6 to 7 seconds have lots of benefits beyond just slowing you down on the way out the door in the morning. Here are some of the benefits:
It provides a boost to your oxytocin, gets the dopamine flowing, and supports healthy serotonin levels. These are all beneficial for mental health, sleep patterns, and overall well-being.
Builds intimacy and connection
Reduces stress
Can create a meaningful ritual in a couple’s life
Boosts fondness and admiration
Fills your emotional bank account
It seems that a longer, lingering kiss is a good thing.
The psalmist David wrote:
Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.
I had to ponder that for a moment. What does that mean?
It seems to me that God’s righteousness, or justice, coupled with God’s love and grace forms a unified whole.
We know that God is all about love and grace. We also know that righteousness and justice are part of God’s kingdom. The awesome truth, to me, is that God’s righteousness is given to us as a gift through the cross of Christ, and as a result, we have peace with God. Righteousness and peace kiss so that we can receive that spiritual boost of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin we need, not just for a full life here on earth, but for eternal life in heaven.
So, couples, enjoy that 6 to 7 second kiss and the joy that comes from knowing God’s righteousness and mercy have kissed for you. And if you are not in a relationship, embrace the fact that God’s righteousness and peace have kissed for you—that is God’s embrace.