Kissing is an intimate act of affection that can vary in length depending on the situation, partners, and type of kiss. While there is no definitive rule for how long a kiss should last, some general guidelines based on expert advice and surveys can help determine an appropriate kissing session length.
The Average Kiss Length
Research on kissing has found that the average kiss lasts between 5 and 20 seconds. A 2014 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior timed hundreds of couples kissing passionately and found the average kiss to be about 10 seconds long.
Another study by dating site eHarmony surveyed 2,000 British couples and found the average kiss lasts between 5 and 11 seconds. Both the very brief pecks and the intense marathon make-out sessions were outliers — most kisses occupied the middle ground time-wise.
Kiss Type Determines Length
The duration of a kiss is largely determined by the situation and type of kiss being shared. A quick kiss goodbye before work will likely be shorter than a passionate embrace between partners. Here are some average kiss lengths based on the kiss type:
- Peck – 2 to 5 seconds
- Romantic kiss – 10 to 20 seconds
- Make-out session – 10 seconds to several minutes
- Quick stolen kiss – 3 seconds
- First kiss – 1 to 2 seconds
As you can see, the context of the kiss plays a big role. Quick stolen kisses at work or school tend to be shortest, while romantic kisses and passionate make-out sessions last much longer on average.
Factors That Influence Kiss Length
Many different factors can influence the ideal length of a kiss. Here are some of the key considerations:
- Partners – Established couples tend to kiss longer than new couples and first kisses.
- Mood – Affectionate, romantic situations lead to longer kisses than short friendly kisses.
- Location – Private settings allow longer kissing than quick public kisses.
- Intent – Kisses meant to arouse or deepen intimacy tend to be longer.
- Culture – Some cultures see public kissing as taboo which discourages long kisses.
Knowing the intent and situation allows partners to gauge the appropriate kiss duration. A kiss at the end of a first date may only last a few seconds, while a kiss between spouses reuniting after time apart may go on for over a minute.
Etiquette for Kiss Length
While there aren’t strict rules, general kiss etiquette suggests the following duration guidance:
- Keep brief public kisses under 5 seconds.
- Let first kisses last 1-3 seconds to start.
- Make an effort for romantic closed-mouth kisses to last at least 10 seconds.
- Read body language and comfort to determine when to end an intense kiss.
- Limit passionate kissing to private settings where longer duration is acceptable.
Following this kiss etiquette helps partners avoid going overboard for the situation or making observers uncomfortable with an overly long public display of affection.
How Long Is Too Long?
There aren’t any set-in-stone rules for how long is too long, but some general guidelines include:
- Public kisses longer than 20 seconds will draw attention and may cause discomfort.
- First kisses longer than 5 seconds may come across as aggressive.
- Kissing much longer than a minute without coming up for air is difficult to sustain.
- Make-out sessions lasting multiple hours are considered excessive by most.
As with most things, moderation is key. When in doubt about going too long, check in with your partner or gauge their reaction. Pulling back to smile, nuzzle, or change positions can allow both partners to reset and enjoy the kissing experience.
The Longest Kisses
While marathon make-out sessions are not the norm, some couples have made headlines for their record-breaking kissing sessions. Here are some of the longest kisses on record:
| Couple | Kiss Length |
|---|---|
| Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat | 58 hours, 35 minutes, 58 seconds |
| Richard Gonzalez and Livia Cornelius | 30 hours, 59 minutes |
| Valerija and Edijs | 30 hours, 1 minute |
As these world-record lip locks show, some couples willingly push their kissing endurance to the extreme for competitions and charity fundraising. However, such ultramarathon make-out sessions are far from the norm and can even cause injury. Most couples prefer to keep individual kisses to under a minute before coming up for air.
Conclusion
So how long should a kiss last? There are no absolutes, but most kisses tend to fall in the range of 2 to 20 seconds. Factors like partners, intent, mood, and location all play a role in ideal kiss duration. While very brief and very long kisses are possible, moderation based on the situation is key. With some general guidelines and mutual understanding, partners can find the perfect kiss length to express their affection.