Romance

11 Reasons Just Making Out Is Sometimes Better Than Having Sex

Ladies, penetration is not the only thing that matters. Sometimes, we appreciate kissing, foreplay, or intimacy without necessarily having sex. While sex can be exhilarating and satisfying, there's something to be said for going back to basics and spending time with your partner just making out. Here's why making out deserves more recognition.

1. It's Mess-free

With the exception of a few lipstick smudges, making out is generally a clean activity. As busy individuals, we may not have the luxury of getting sweaty and messy, especially when rushing to work. However, if your partner is a sloppy kisser, things can become unpleasant rather quickly. In such cases, it may be helpful to assist your partner in improving their kissing techniques to minimize the exchange of saliva.

2. It Can Prevent Cavities

Contrary to popular belief, exchanging saliva during a make-out session is not as repulsive as it may sound. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the increased saliva flow can help strengthen tooth enamel and remove bacteria, which may seem peculiar but is actually beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth. So, if you wish to keep your teeth shining bright, making out might just be the solution you need.

3. It's Safe

Although it's not completely without risk (since mononucleosis is a genuine downer), making out is certainly the safest way to exchange bodily fluids. With no concerns about pregnancy, making out carries significantly less risk than engaging in full sexual activity.

4. It Burns A Few Calories

While making out may not substitute for a workout, it can certainly whet your appetite for Taco Tuesday. Studies suggest that an intense kissing session can burn up to five calories per minute, which equates to enough calories burned during an hour-long make-out session to justify indulging in a margarita afterward. Plus, it's a fantastic way to spend a romantic evening with your significant other.

5. It Makes You Feel Young Again

Making out can be reminiscent of the exhilaration of sneaking out of your parents' house on a warm summer evening. To maintain that sense of excitement and keep those butterflies fluttering, it's important to embrace the novelty of the experience. Despite our grown-up responsibilities and daily stresses, there's no reason why we can't relive the thrill of our youth. Making out is an excellent way to recapture that feeling of excitement and youthfulness.

6. It's Acceptable To Do With (almost) Anyone

Kissing has never been a cause for stigma or discrimination. Although some people may have been playfully referred to as "make-out bandits," this nickname is hardly derogatory. Making out is a socially acceptable activity for first dates, as well as casual encounters at bars. Furthermore, it does not require a committed relationship to engage in. You can simply kiss someone you find attractive and enjoy the moment.

7. It's A Great Way To Determine Chemistry

Although sexual chemistry is not the sole determining factor in a relationship, it undoubtedly plays a significant role. Making out with someone can be an excellent way to assess whether you have that elusive connection that either exists or does not. The more time you spend kissing, the better you understand how your bodies interact, which can be a valuable indicator of physical compatibility.

8. It Strengthens Your Immune System

Although it may seem that kissing would increase the likelihood of catching a cold, making out can actually reduce the risk of getting one. During ten seconds of kissing, approximately 80 million bacteria are exchanged between partners. However, exposure to these bacteria in small amounts can help build immunity and protect against future exposure. Additionally, kissing has been shown to lower the chances of experiencing allergic reactions. It seems that the old adage "laughter is the best medicine" could be extended to include kissing too.

9. It's Mobile

Making out is an excellent way to indulge in some playful behavior when other forms of physical intimacy are not possible or appropriate. You can make out in the movie theater, in the car on the way to brunch with your parents, or even during your lunch break. All you need is each other, making it an easy and convenient activity. Although public displays of affection can make some people feel uneasy, you do not need to find a secluded spot to engage in making out. However, it is important to be considerate of those around you.

10. It Relieves Stress

A study conducted at Arizona State University assigned participants to prioritize kissing for a specific period while measuring their stress levels compared to a control group. After six weeks, the results revealed that the kissing couples not only experienced increased emotional closeness but also lower levels of overall stress. In fact, some experts claim that making out can provide similar anxiety relief to meditation and help you focus on the present moment. Namaste indeed!

11. It's Great For Bonding

Engaging in passionate kissing with someone we like triggers the release of oxytocin, which creates feelings of happiness and connection with the person we're kissing. So, if you find yourself at a loss for words with your current love interest, making out is a perfectly reasonable alternative. After all, not all of us can be great conversationalists all the time.

12. It Makes You Feel Better About Yourself

Kissing has been found to have a positive impact on self-esteem. According to a 2016 study, individuals with low self-esteem tend to have higher levels of cortisol, which is a hormone associated with stress. Kissing has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which can help improve one's self-esteem.

13. It's Hot

The act of kissing serves a purpose. It is intimate and arousing, igniting a desire for more between both parties. There's nothing quite like a passionate make-out session to leave you both yearning for more. Let's face it, a truly amazing kiss can leave you feeling dizzy and craving more.