Kissses and Other Things Dogs Don't Like

Let's start with one question. How long do you share a kiss with your spouse? Set a timer for six seconds and give them a kiss for the duration. Did your kiss last longer than usual?

Most kisses are short and sweet; direct, no-frills-attached displays of affection. Spouses often share these kisses as they run off to their jobs, while one of them is busy making a meal, or before they go to bed.

Despite the minimal amount of physical contact, kisses powerfully influence the human brain, reducing tension and promoting relaxation. Extending kisses to last six seconds could be a key to improving your marriage.

And yes, it literally only takes six seconds!

The following are some positive results from sharing a kiss for six seconds:

It boosts fondness and admiration between spouses.

It builds appreciation.

It can reduce cortisol and boost oxytocin.

It can be self-soothing.

It can lead to sex.

There is one negative result, however:

It can cause dogs to groan and cover their eyes.

Let's do some basic arithmetic approximation.

Two six-second kisses a day between you and your spouse ends up taking less than ninety seconds a week.

This sounds like a doable challenge, and I challenge anyone who reads it to try it for at least one month.

Remember, six-second kisses have the potential to benefit the overall health of your marriage.

And if it doesn't improve your marriage, all you'll lose is twelve seconds a day.

Mathematically speaking, the benefits far outweigh the risk.

But if you're worried, just make sure there are no dogs around.