Bidding farewell to your partner with a kiss before heading to work may appear to be a minor act, yet it can profoundly influence your relationship and overall health. Research indicates that men who kiss their wives goodbye prior to leaving for work may enjoy a longer lifespan compared to those who do not engage in this practice. Dr. Kunal Sood, a physician specializing in anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine, highlighted this on Instagram on April 3, 2025, posing the question: “Who else is living 4 years less?”

The significance of a brief kiss

Dr. Sood's comments were inspired by insights shared by John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of Washington, during a March 28, 2024, episode of The Diary Of A CEO podcast. Gottman noted, “Men who kiss their wives goodbye when they leave for work tend to live approximately four years longer than those who do not. A six-second kiss... carries far more significance than a mere peck on the cheek.”

'Kissing helps release hormones that improve mood

In response to this, Dr. Sood stated in his video, "This is indeed accurate! Although I could not locate the original research paper, there are articles that discuss a study conducted in 1980. This study revealed that men who kissed their wives before heading to work tended to live, on average, five years longer"

Dr. Sood noted that while the precise reasons for these findings remain uncertain, it is probable that the combined effects of lower stress levels, enhanced relationship quality, and various physical health advantages play a role in promoting longevity.

He elaborated, "Regarding the reasons: Kissing triggers the release of hormones that elevate our mood. These hormones include oxytocin, known as the 'bonding hormone,' and dopamine, often referred to as the 'feel-good hormone.' Furthermore, kissing has been shown to lower cortisol, the stress hormone, which, when persistently high, can adversely affect our health."

For more information on the lesser-known health benefits of kissing—ranging from reduced blood pressure to weight loss and improved dental hygiene

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