Article by Andy Cope
It started with a kiss…
Here’s a basic introduction to the most important science you’ve never heard of:
Philematology, the study of kissing
As a happiness researcher, I’m well versed in the science of wellbeing, flourishing, strengths, joy and love. But the specifics of kissing are harder to come by. So while happiness has a ‘set-point’, learning has a ‘taxonomy’ and personality has a ‘type’, academics can’t even agree on what a kiss is. Is it a peck, a continental double-cheeker or a tongue-twisting Frenchie? (I’m going to gloss over the obviousness of matching the right kiss with the right person. Just as a ‘mwah mwah’ air kiss isn’t right for a passionate night with your partner, a snog with your sister is a social faux-pas, even if done behing...