I don’t know about you, but after being married for nearly ten years, kissing is often a means to an end. I mean, we kiss hello and good-bye and will often smack a little bit longer to horrify our kids, but the bulk of our long make-out sessions happen before we, well, you know.

I saw this article over at Yahoo! Shine and thought I’d highlight the main points for you.

1.) Kissing boosts immunity. A recent study reported in the journal Medical Hypotheses says kissing may increase a woman’s immunity from a certain (very rare) ailment that can cause birth defects.

2.) Kissing helps you pick the best mate. Anthropologist Helen Fisher describes kissing as a “mate assessment tool”. Other researchers note that kissing is biology’s way of determining who in nature you are most genetically compatible with.

3.) Kissing burns calories! Depending on different reports, anywhere from 2 to 6 calories a minute. Not quite a jog on the treadmill, but an hours worth of smooching may burn off half a handful of M&Ms or half a glass of wine. Better than nothing.

4.) Kissing keeps facial muscles strong. Sure tight abs or cellulite-free thighs may be first on the Tone Up list, but don’t underestimate the workout your mouth gets during a make-out session. Researchers say you use 30 muscles while kissing and the smooching helps keep your cheeks tight.

5.) Kissing naturally relaxes you. Scientific reports say kissing increases the levels of oxytocin, the body’s natural calming chemical and also increased endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals. Swapping spit is also noted to increase dopamine, which aids in feelings of romantic attachment.

So what are you waiting for? Pucker up!