In honor of International Kissing Day (yes, kissing actually has its own day on April 13!), we thought it would be interesting to share some known reasons as to why kissing is good for you. After all, we’re all about commitment and fostering healthy relationships here at QALO, and this day is one small (and fun) way to help us do just that. 1. Health Benefits of Kissing Not that you need a reason to kiss your significant other as often as possible, but it never hurts to have some extra excuses for puckering up in your back pocket. Check out these benefits kissing has on your health and your relationship and you’ll love smooching even more. 2. Reduces Anxiety Since kissing decreases cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) and increases serotonin (often called the body’s natural “feel good” chemical) in the brain, it helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels, resulting in an overall calm state. You can now add kissing to your list of things to do to help you relax. 3. Decreases Blood Pressure The blood vessels in our lips dilate during kissing. When this happens, blood flow is directed toward the face and away from the rest of the body. This decreases the demand on our heart, lowering blood pressure. 4. Helps Promote Good Dental Hygiene Swapping saliva with another person increases the flow of your own saliva. Having saliva circulate in your mouth helps keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. Brush and floss. Then kiss? That works. 5. Strengthens Your Relationship A passionate kiss releases oxytocin, known as the “love hormone”. Studies have shown that oxytocin keeps monogamous people faithful and makes them more trusting towards one another. This tightens their emotional and physical bond, improving and strengthening their relationship. While these are all great benefits, we definitely think the last one tops them all. If you want to go one step further and give your sweetie a gift that you’ll certainly earn a kiss for, we’ve got plenty of great options. Check out our stylish silicone ring collections and hand-made blankets, which just so happen to be perfect for snuggling.