Do you kiss your partner before leaving for work? If not, then here’s why you might want to start today.
That quick kiss before you head out the door might seem like a simple gesture, but it could actually be doing wonders for your health and longevity. Surprised? You’re not alone.
This insight comes from a fascinating observation shared by Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine specialist, who recently took to Instagram on April 3, 2025, with a thought-provoking question: “Who else is living 4 years less?”
The science behind the smooch
Dr Sood’s post was a reaction to an intriguing claim made by renowned American psychologist John Gottman during his appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast in March 2024. In the video, Gottman stated, “Men who kiss their wives goodbye when they leave for work live something like four years longer than men who don’t. The six-second kiss… has much more potential than a peck on the cheek.”
While Dr Sood mentioned he couldn’t find the original research paper, he pointed out that several articles reference a 1980 study that observed similar results, suggesting men who kissed their wives before heading to work lived, on average, five years longer than those who didn’t.
Why does a kiss make such a difference?
According to Dr Sood, the answer lies in the science of bonding and emotional regulation. He explained that kissing stimulates the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and dopamine (which boosts mood and pleasure). At the same time, it lowers cortisol, the stress hormone that’s linked to numerous health issues when chronically elevated.
In simpler terms, that goodbye kiss might be doing wonders for your emotional health, reducing stress levels, and reinforcing intimacy, all of which have a ripple effect on your physical well-being.
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More than just romance
Beyond being a sweet practice, this tiny act of affection could be a hidden key to better relationship satisfaction, emotional resilience, and even heart health. Whether it’s a full six-second kiss or a sincere goodbye smooch, making time for that moment could mean adding more moments to your life down the line.
So, the next time you’re racing to beat traffic or dashing to catch your train—pause, lean in, and share a kiss. Your body (and your partner) will thank you.
