Kissing is an intimate act that happens in moments of passion and affection. When two people’s lips meet, it often happens silently, but sometimes a kiss can be noisy, with sounds of lips smacking together. This can prompt the question: should kissing be silent or is some sound acceptable or even desirable? There are arguments on both sides of this debate. In the opening of this article, we’ll summarize the key perspectives.
Arguments for Silent Kissing
– Kissing noises can be distracting and seen as rude in public. Silent kissing allows people to maintain privacy and etiquette.
– Some find loud kissing noises unappealing or lacking in romance. Silence can be seen as elegant.
– Excessive noise may indicate technical issues, like very dry lips or lack of technique. Silence avoids potential embarrassment.
Arguments for Kissing Noises
– Some sounds can indicate passion, enthusiasm, and sensuality between partners. It’s a natural response.
– The smacking sound when lips initially meet can be satisfying, similar to sounds when eating good food.
– Lack of noise may suggest a peck rather than a passionate kiss. Sounds show greater intensity.
Cultural and Societal Norms
Ideas about kissing noises are shaped by cultural norms and local customs. What’s acceptable in one place may not be in another. Some patterns:
Places Where Silent Kissing is Expected
– Japan – Kissing is less common and silence is viewed as respectful.
– Middle East – Public kissing is often taboo, so any noise would be frowned upon.
– Western cultures tend to expect silent kissing in formal settings like weddings or with polite pecks on the cheek.
Cultures Where Kissing Noises are Common
– Latin America – Kissing noises are seen as normal, even in greetings.
– India – Cinematic kisses often have sounds. Wetter, messier kisses may be depicted.
– Germany – Smacking noises while eating are not seen as rude, so kissing noises are more acceptable.
Generational Differences
– Older generations may view kissing noises as inappropriate, especially in public.
– Younger people have been exposed to more casual kissing norms in media, so some sounds may be deemed acceptable.
So cultural context matters when evaluating kissing noises. The level of acceptability varies around the world.
Science and Physiology of Kissing Sounds
There are some scientific reasons why kissing causes sounds:
Causes of Kissing Noise
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Suction | Puckering and pulling on the lips creates suction and smacking sounds. |
| Saliva | More wet, intense kisses involve saliva mixing and causing sounds. |
| Head Tilting | The angle of heads and collision of lips influences sound level. |
| Enthusiasm | More energetic kissing with forceful impacts makes louder noises. |
| Lip Fullness | Fuller lips tend to envelop each other more quietly compared to thin lips. |
Sound Frequency and Volume
Studies have recorded and analyzed kissing sounds, with the following conclusions:
– Frequency ranges from 50-1000+ Hz, with most energy in the 200-300 Hz range.
– Sound pressure levels can range from 40 to over 100 dB, as loud as a chain saw.
– Duration of kissing sounds is usually 0.2 to 2 seconds.
So kissing noises vary widely in pitch, volume, and length depending on technique.
Do Partners Enjoy Kissing Noises?
Whether sound adds to the kissing experience depends on individual preferences:
Reasons Noise May Be Enjoyable
– Associating sounds with other pleasurable experiences, like savoring tasty food
– Feelings of intimacy and passion from your partner
– Heightening arousal through the auditory stimulation
– Satisfaction from the suction sound when lips first meet
– Fascination with the unique sound signature of a particular partner
Reasons People May Dislike Kissing Noise
– Distraction from focusing on the physical sensations of kissing
– Fear of social judgment if others overhear
– Perception that it’s sloppy and unskilled technique
– Association of sounds with overly aggressive kissing
– Preference for visual over auditory stimulation
So personal attitudes about kissing sounds seem tied to broader beliefs about intimacy and social acceptance.
Techniques for Managing Kissing Noise
For those seeking the ideal level of sound during passionate kissing, some techniques to try include:
To Reduce Kissing Noise
– Use a lighter pucker and avoid suctioning tightly.
– Keep mouths partially open to limit smacking.
– Tilt heads acutely to avoid full lip collision.
– Apply lip balm to avoid sticking and smacking from dryness.
– Use tongues to create wetter, quieter kisses.
To Increase Kissing Sounds
– Pucker aggressively and hold tighter suction while pulling back.
– Purse lips inward to make a popping sound upon release.
– Open mouth wide and collide lips on reentry for a loud smack.
– Use short, forceful pecks to create multiple sounds.
– Allow more saliva exchange for wet, sloppy noises.
Of course, moderating noise level depends partly on gaining experience with a partner’s preferences through communication. Exploring the right kissing acoustics for the situation is important for maximizing enjoyment.
Public Displays of Affection
In public settings, kissing etiquette depends on cultural norms, as discussed earlier. Some guidelines for socially acceptable PDA:
Situations Where Silent Kissing is Recommended
– Formal events like weddings, funerals, religious ceremonies
– Meetings with clients or professional settings
– Around family members such as parents or grandparents
– Locations where children are present
Moments with Some Kissing Noise Tolerated
– Brief kisses at the airport, train platform, etc. during greetings/goodbyes
– Minor sound at outdoor recreational venues like the beach, park, or festival
– While out at bars, nightclubs, concerts where lively behavior is expected
So context-awareness about social norms can help couples make wise choices about kissing discretion. Being respectful to those around you is ideal.
Conclusion
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of the kissing noise debate. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and appropriateness for the situation. Factors like cultural background, generations, public versus private setting all play a role in what sound levels are deemed acceptable. With communication between partners and awareness of surroundings, couples can determine the right acoustic approach to show affection through passionate kissing, whether noisy or silent.