Orgasms For Your Health

Did you know just how healthy your orgasm really is?

Since this month is both ‘Womens Health’ and ‘Masturbation’ month, we thought it would be a great time to list just how healthy the female orgasm really is. 

Check out our top 5 reasons on why your orgasm is amazing for your health, whether you go solo or with a partner!

1. Better sleep and less stress Giving yourself the bliss of an orgasm before bedtime, doesn’t just create waves of pleasure for you (and your partner), it also tells your cozy-feeling hormones (namely endorphins) to come out and release their sedative effect.

2. Pain relief and migraine cures Orgasms’ good vibrations release ‘analgesia’ in your body; a natural pain suppressant. The most natural way for a women to reduce any body aches or pains is through the automatic relief of the female orgasm.

3. Stay in shape, protect your heart and connect with your partner The ‘oxytocin’ flush brought on by an orgasm not only reduces stress and lowers blood pressure levels, it also increases empathy and communication. Your orgasm is a sexy way to burn calories, keep your heart happy and improve your relationship.

4. Naturally fight infections, cold and flu Have an “O” and those cold and flu bugs get up and go. Well not quite, but a woman's orgasm does have the power to reduce the risks of pesky colds and flu by up to 20%.

5. Look younger with healthier skin The sexiest way to feel great, and look 10 years younger, is to make love three times a week (or more!) with someone you feel amazing about! During orgasm the ADHE level increases which also enhances healthy skin.

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Ten Bedroom Moves: Try these tips to unleash your wild side!

Amplify’d from www.29secrets.com

Ten Bedroom Moves You've Never Tried

Try these tips to unleash your wild side!

No matter how hot your relationship is, everyone appreciates a few unexpected, sexy moves. Looking to try something new? Try these tricks in the sack to surprise him – and yourself…

1. The next time your guy jumps in the shower, join him! But to take this up a sexy notch, first turn out the lights. The sensation of hot water, skin on skin and experiencing each other without seeing each other will make him crazy, and your inhibitions fade to black…

2.       When you and your guy experience a little action, challenge him (and yourself) to stay quiet no matter what you do to each other. Just listening to your breathing can be very erotic, and trying to control yourself sans noise can set your pulse racing as the excitement builds.

3.       Have your man sit naked on a kitchen chair, then strut out wearing nothing but your best pair of stiletto boots and straddle him face-forward. The sight of you in nothing but those black spiky heels will leave him speechless!

4.       Instead of the missionary position, lie on your stomach and have your guy lie on top of you, entering you from behind. Close your legs so his are on the outside of yours, so he’s in the perfect position to hit your G-spot. This move will be mind-blowing for both of you.

5.       Take advantage of the hot weather! Have your guy lie naked on the bed. Put a small fan on your night table and then give him a rub down with ice cubes. The cool breeze will make the ice feel even colder, so he’ll be begging for your hot touch…

6.       Throughout the day, send your guy naughty one-word texts. By the end of the day, he’ll have a message that spells out exactly what you are going to do to him that night. This type of non-visual stimulation will leave you both desperate to be together and act out your message.

7.       For another “shower scene”, pick up a salt scrub in a stimulating citrus scent. Then invite him to join you in the shower for a “scrub down.” The steam and the rubbing action will get all your nerves tingling, blood flowing and bodies ready to go.

8.       Slide to the edge of your bed and put your feet on the ground. Then use your arms to lift yourself, just a little bit, off the bed.  When your guy enters you, have him stand still while you slide your body up and down. In addition to being very sexy, this will also give you a great ab-workout!

9.       When you’re on top, tell your man to keep absolutely still. Then instead of moving up and down, move your hips in a circular motion, almost as if you were “stirring” him (and you will). Every few minutes, alternate between clockwise & anti-clockwise, and see how long he can stand it.

10.  Have your guy sit on the floor with his legs crossed.  Straddle him, but instead of moving up and down, wrap your legs around him and slowly rock back and forth.  This unexpected move will take you both by surprise. Read more at www.29secrets.com

Adding Sex Furniture Can Add Spice To Any Relationship

Move over vibrators it seems that sex furniture is the new craze when it comes to sex toys.

With couples looking to spice up their relationships, some individuals feel that adding furniture that can help enhance their sex lives can help make a difference.

In order to determine your furniture needs you have to do your research. Depending on the type of experience you are looking for will determine the type of furniture you might be interested in. Websites like pinktrickle.com is a good place to start.

Sex furniture can consist of a striper pole, wedged adult pillows, a shower power bathtub handle, sex swings, inflatable sex machines, love and lounge chairs with remote control and much, much  more. Again, this is becoming a new way of looking at sex and enhancing a couple's sex life and taking it to an entirely new level.

When it comes to finding what will work for you, you may have to try several pieces of furniture before you figure out exactly what your particular needs are. Read more at www.examiner.com

How To Tips for Mutual Masturbation

pinAmplify’d from sexuality.about.com

How To Tips for Mutual Masturbation

Mutual masturbation may sound like an oxymoron. After all, masturbation is supposed to be something you do by yourself, and if someone else is in the room, isn’t that just called having sex? It’s true, but masturbation is also form of sex, and sharing masturbation with a partner, can be a wonderful way of sharing intimacy, and a great way to share sexual secrets. As with all sex, there’s no one way to do it, but here are some tips to get the mutual masturbation ball rolling.

Time Required: Mutual masturbation can be a five minute quickie or an entire evening of romance.

Here's How:

Why mutual masturbation is a good idea Because most of us still have some embarrassment about masturbation lets list some benefits of exploring mutual masturbation: Mutual masturbation is a great way to deal with differing sex drives; you don’t both have to be in the mood at the same time. Mutual masturbation helps you learn what your partner likes, and teach your partner what works for you. Masturbation is another side of you: sharing talk about masturbation and/or masturbating in your partner’s presence can be a powerful way of sharing a new level of intimacy

Get comfortable with your own masturbation. The first step to sharing masturbation with a partner is getting comfortable in your own masturbatory-skin (that’s kind of a gross image, but I think you know what I mean). This may mean educating yourself about masturbation myths, or exploring masturbation more on your own first. If you haven’t thought much about how you masturbate start to give it some thought, notice any patterns or familiar fantasy you use. Ultimately you should be able to show, if not talk with your partner about what feels good, so give your self time to figure it out first.

Wait until the time is right. Don’t pressure yourself (or accept pressure from a partner) to explore mutual masturbation. While mutual masturbation can be a great was to enhance your sex life, its also very intimate and exposing, and you should only do it when the time is right. If you’re unsure about it, think about what smaller steps you can take to share masturbation with a partner.

Talk about masturbation with your partner. Before you dive right in, it’s a good idea to talk about masturbation with your partner. Even though most people continue to masturbate while in relationships, many couples hide their masturbation in relationships . The conversation doesn’t need to be serious or heavy, and it could even start as more of a curiosity, sharing stories about when you first masturbated, or how you learned to masturbate. The point is to get masturbation on the table as a topic as a way of gauging both your and your partners comfort with the subject.

Honor the privacy of masturbation. The first time you masturbate with someone else in the room it may feel weird. Most of us have a way we like to masturbate, and for most of us this includes feeling like we’re alone and have some level of privacy. One way to get over the hump that first time is to keep your eyes closed (or if you don’t want to focus on that, use a blindfold or scarf to cover your eyes). With your eyes closed, as you start to masturbate it can be easier to slip into your comfort zone. For most people this is the easiest way to masturbate in front of a partner the first time.

Take turns. One of the best things about masturbating in front of your partner is the lessons learned about what turns you on. Each of you should get an opportunity to simply watch the other masturbate without any distractions. The first time you share masturbation, if it feels awkward, you might agree in advance to take turns, one of you starting and masturbating until you’re done, and then the other goes. While simultaneous mutual masturbation can also be fun, letting yourself be the focus of attention can also be both arousing and educational.

Mutual masturbation sex positions. Once you’re comfortable with mutual masturbation in both theory and practice its time to mix it up and play with different positions and situations. Doing this can enhance the sexual response you get from masturbation, it can also spark different fantasy scenarios, and lead to more learning for your partner. Try mutual masturbation on different pieces of furniture (if you’re always in bed, try it in a chair, in the shower, on the floor) and experiment with different sex positions.

Masturbating together. Mutual masturbation can also mean masturbating together. From the perspective of spiritual sexuality, the sexual energy built up with masturbation can be shared even if you aren’t physically touching each other. Some people make a game of it, and try to masturbate in synch so they finish together. If you don’t have a lot of time you might compete to see who finishes first. One of the great things about doing this is sharing your feelings as you both lie there satisfied by your own hands, but sharing an intimate moment together.

Masturbating each other. While most of us might think that a hands-off-each-other approach is what defines masturbation, dictionary definitions of mutual masturbation usually include touching each other and there’s no reason not to blur that line. This might include you focusing on another part of your partner’s body while they masturbate, or you might be right in the center of the action. You might use parts of each others bodies in your own masturbation technique. Or maybe you come in right at the end, to help out with the big finish.

Adding sex toys. Sex toys can add a lot to both solo and mutual masturbation. For starters, toys remind us that sex is play, and lots of times it’s just meant to be silly fun. Sex toys also provide a kind of strong, consistent stimulation that we can’t create on our own. Introducing sex toys during mutual masturbation can also be a great way to bring sex toys into your partner sex, and it makes room for you showing your partner first how you like to play with sex toys before they take over.

Playing with eye contact and talking. At the beginning, if you are uncomfortable with masturbating in front of your partner, making a lot of eye contact or talking might seem too intense. But if you find you both enjoy mutual masturbation and get more comfortable with it, adding eye contact and talking can take it to a different level. Gazing into each others eyes during any kind of sex play can be intensely intimate and hot. Sharing sexual fantasies or describing what you’d like to do to or with your partner while they masturbate can be another form of sexual fantasy role play . Read more at sexuality.about.com

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How to Talk About Sex

Clipped from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/02/25/talk-sex/

So much sex advice out there revolves around communicating with your partner. What many people don’t realize is that there are different types of communication. There is non-verbal communication, where you can tell what your partner is feeling just by catching a glimpse of her facial expression from across the room. There is verbal communication, where you talk directly about everyday issues. And then there is also sexual communication. No, I don’t mean talking dirty between the sheets. At Good in Bed, we believe it’s essential to verbally communicate your sexual wants and needs to your partner -- outside of the bedroom.

Sexual communication has been a widely ignored extension of verbal communication. That’s a shame, since it could seriously improve the sex lives of countless couples. The good news? Researchers are paying more attention to this approach. In fact, one recent study from Indiana University found that sexual communication is a more significant contributor to sexual and relationship satisfaction than non-sexual verbal communication.

But there’s one problem: Not everyone feels comfortable talking about sex, especially when the talk happens outside of a sexual context. Here are some tips to help get you talking:

Polish your vocabulary

One of the greatest difficulties couples have when it comes to sexual communication is an inadequate sexual vocabulary. Some of us may never have had anything more than locker-room talk to discuss sex. Start by learning the proper words for body parts. This might seem too clinical at first, but it offers a way to talk about sex when you’re not having sex without offending anyone with slang.

Ease in with texting

A great thing about technology is its ability to allow us to say things that we may not feel as comfortable saying in person. You can type something, think about it for a bit, decide if you’ve adequately captured your thoughts, then hit ‘send’. Try sending your partner a text that lets them know something about your sexual preferences. For example, say, “When you do ____, it gets me in the mood for sex.” Or, think about an issue you’re having, come up with a solution in your mind, and then express it using positive sexy terms via text. By doing this, not only will you get them excited to see you later, but you’ll also be practicing sexual communication and letting them know what you like.

Use the phone

If texting just isn’t your thing, try using the phone to talk to your partner about sex. Randomly call and communicate what your favorite sexual position is and why. This doesn’t have to turn into phone sex -- in fact, it shouldn’t. If you’re shy, call your partner and tell her that you had a really sexy dream about her and describe what you want in very sexy terms as though it was part of the dream. If you’re introducing something taboo, you can always blame your subconscious!

Practice with each other

This might be a little bit awkward the first time you do it, but it’s worth it. Sit down and practice using your newfound vocabulary with your partner. Talk about sex outside of the bedroom, in a non-sexual setting, and practice getting comfortable using sexual communication as a way to converse. You can still make the sex talk sexy by expressing your desires in positive sexy terms.

Once you can communicate your sexual needs and wants to your partner, you’ll be one step ahead of the many couples that expect their partners to understand their sexual thoughts through mind reading or subtle non-verbal cues. Research shows that couples that can communicate openly about sex are more sexually satisfied. This has also been shown to impact their overall relationship satisfaction, with couples that successfully communicate about sex showing higher levels of satisfaction than those who don’t. So go forth, learn some new sex words, bring them out of the bedroom, and practice the art of sexual communication!

Kristen Mark is currently completing her Ph.D. in Health Behavior with concentrations in Human Sexuality and Statistics at Indiana University. She is an associate instructor for Health and Human Sexuality courses at IU and is a project coordinator for the Center for Sexual Health Promotion. Kristen's research is largely focused on sexuality in the context of relationships, maintaining sexual desire, and sexual quality, pleasure and satisfaction. To get in touch with Kristen, visit her at goodinbed.com. Read more at www.foxnews.com

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Bedroom Faux Pas

Clipped from collegecandy.com

Sexy Time: Bedroom Faux Pas

I think it’s safe to assume that after a few years of sexual activity, most people have a few “oh god” stories of bedroom disasters. These are the ones that make it into the “it doesn’t count” category. You know, when something happens that, you know, just shouldn’t have happened.

When you throw two naked and probably a little awkward (or drunk) young adults into a bed together, hilarity and embarrassing moments are sure to ensue. We’ve all experienced it, hell, we may have even been the perpetrators of some unappealing bedroom behavior.

So here it is, a list of the most frequently committed bedroom faux pas to be avoided by everyone. We all know accidents can happen, but let’s do our best to avoid them, shall we?

48 Hour Rule.I think it’s a pretty fair rule of thumb that no one’s genitals be expected in another’s mouth if personal hygiene has not been tended to in the last 48 hours. No, I don’t think genitals are “icky,” but a good shower seems like common courtesy.

Trash Can Condoms.If you’re a single lady who is enjoying some NSA booty every once in a while (or a lot, whatever), for the love of all things holy, please empty your trash as much as possible. There is NOTHING sexy about going to throw a condom (or dental dam) in the trash and seeing a previously used one… from someone else.

Lies! I can’t say it enough, don’t ever fake it. No one likes being lied to, and a bit of an ego bruise is worth the truth. If it’s not happening, it’s not happening — you shouldn’t feel the need to lie about it.

Business Socks. You can blame Flight of the Conchords for this one, but dirty socks should be taken off before everything else. If your underwear is off, your socks should be too. Also, as my best friend pointed out, make sure the sock you duct tape into your (consenting) partner’s mouth isn’t the same one you’ve been sweating in all day long. Ew.

A rose by any other name… It’s hilarious as a scene in a rom-com, but in real life, calling out the wrong name is certainly not so sweet. C’mon ladies, keep the Johnny Depp fantasies in your head, please.

The Blame Game. Sometimes sexual organs don’t work the way they are intended. Penises remain flaccid and vaginas are as dry as the Sahara. That does not give anyone the right to blame their partner for their failure to perform. Just smile, say it’s not working, and flick on The Office. Or better yet, offer up some no-need-to-reciprocate love. Or do both at the same time — everyone wins.

What are the biggest bedroom faux pas you’ve encountered? Let it all out; we’re here for you. Read more at collegecandy.com

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When men don’t want sex

Clipped from pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com

“Not tonight, honey. I have a headache.” How many times has a guy heard that before? Husbands around the world are all too familiar with being sexually rejected. But now, more than ever, those words, (or some variation), are being expressed by men, to their female partners. While the conventional wisdom has been that it’s usually the woman in the relationship who inevitably loses interest in sex, the opposite is often true. Low male desire is at all-time high, and is likely to occur for any number of reasons:

Biological. There are many possible physical causes of low male sexual desire, from heart disease, to antidepressants, to alcohol or drug use, to low levels of testosterone. If he’s ruled out other factors, it’s a good idea for him to pay a visit to his doctor.

Emotional. A guy’s sex drive is often closely tied to his self-esteem - when one suffers, so does the other. The economic downturn has sent lots of men into a funk: Job changes or loss, financial worries, and depression can all add up to a low libido. He may feel like less of a man, no matter how much his partner tells him that money doesn’t matter.

Relationship. Feelings like anger, resentment, and general dissatisfaction with his relationship can play havoc on a man’s sex life with his partner - but these issues don’t necessarily sink his libido. Sure, he may claim he’s not in the mood. But he may simply be putting his sexual energy elsewhere, whether into masturbation, porn, strip clubs, or an affair. What happens outside of the bedroom affects what happens inside the bedroom, and when men are bored in their relationship they tend to get bored in the bedroom.

Porn. The Internet has made porn much more accessible - and the frequent masturbation it triggers may be making men too worn out for sex with a real partner. As I’ve discussed before in this blog, men are masturbating 50 to 500 percent more than they would normally without Internet porn. So if a guy normally masturbated once a day, he might now be doing it two or three times a day. If he masturbated three times a week, he might now be getting graphic with his graphics 15 times a week. If you’re 17 and single, this might not be a problem. But if you’re 40 and toting a gut, it’s an issue - a real issue. Some guys may still feel mentally like they’re 17 years old, but they can’t have sex that way. Their bodies have changed and so have their refractory periods, the natural interval between erections. Guys with low desire may simply lack the mojo for real sex because they’re depleted from masturbation.

Your relationship itself could also be contributing to his low desire. While there are similarities between how men and women get sexually aroused, there are also some key differences. New research suggests that female sexual response depends on the quality of emotional intimacy and overall relationship satisfaction. That means that when a woman feels comfortable and secure in her relationship, she’s likely to feel more sexual desire - to the point where curling up on the couch in sweats and a T-shirt is more of a turn-on than donning some sexy lingerie.

But for men, this sense of complacency and comfort could work against sexual desire, especially if there’s less emphasis on novelty, newness, excitement, and visual stimulation, all of which play heavily into the stimulation of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that, like amphetamines, plays a big role in sexual arousal.

Sex ruts and mismatched libidos are common in any long-term relationship, but guys are generally more used to striking out and not taking it personally. We play the numbers and we know we’ll get another chance at bat, so it’s more a matter of continually stepping up to the plate.

But when a man is disinterested in sex, a woman is much more likely to take it as an insult or a reflection on her attractiveness, rather than looking at all the factors described above. Also, statistically, women are more likely to self-silence and bottle up their emotions than are men. So whereas a guy who wants more sex might lash out and say, “How come we never have sex anymore?” a woman is more likely to let her anger simmer and stew, which leads to resentment and might cause a woman to build an emotional wall between her and her partner, which will protect her from feelings of rejection.

But the truth is that sexual desire is not a light switch that just gets turned on and off. The media tells men over and over that women need more foreplay. But women also need to get with the same program and understand that male desire is like a dimmer switch: It unfolds across a spectrum and requires effort. Men are not just walking erections, ready to go whenever the wind blows.

Regardless of your gender, when a couple is dealing with mismatched libidos, the worst thing the partner with more desire can do is to give up on sex. Like Sherlock Holmes, the partner with more desire has to engage in some forensic analysis to uncover the clues and causes, and then take action to bring sex back into the relationship. From foreplay to fantasy, to enhancing communication and the overall quality of the relationship, there’s a lot you can do to foster a satisfying sex life. So start talking with each other, share a fantasy or two, and take a few aspirin for that “headache.” Your relationship will thank you.And if you need a little extra help getting sexually creative, check out the Good in Bed Guide to 52 Weeks of Amazing Sex. Read more at pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com

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Flexisexual: Girls Who Kiss Girls, But Like Boys

Girls Who Kiss Girls, But Like Boys

Ever since Madonna planted that wet kiss on Britney Spears in front of millions of television viewers at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, women have been loosening up sexually with other women. These so-called flexisexuals say that although they are not gay or even bisexual, they enjoy flirting and kissing girls -- but they still enjoy having sex with men. Experts say they may be influenced by the growing visibility of same-sex couples and more open attitudes about sex in general. Pop culture, itself, seems to celebrate that flexibility in songs like Katy Perry's, "I Kissed a Girl," a song that 19-year-old Alisha Garrison said "made girls be more free to do whatever they want." "It's not really experimenting, but maybe trying to get some attention," said Garrison, an urban planning student from Simi Valley, Calif. Perry admits in her lyrics, "I got so brave, drink in hand, I lost my discretion." Flexisexual is also known as heteroflexible, pansexual or queer, all subtle variations that mean they are not closing any doors. Women say it has has more to do with their view of the world than their practice in the bedroom. "When I was younger, girls bounced around in high school about sexuality," said Jamilla Wright, a public relations major at the University of Texas. "I think the older we get the more comfortable we are with it being based more on the individual than either-or as far as sexuality is concerned." "Labels matter less," said the 21-year-old. Hollywood has its own examples: Lindsay Lohan, 24, who dated Samantha Ronson, denied she was a lesbian and "maybe" bisexual. She has since returned to men. Angelina Jolie, 35 and now happily ensconced with Brad Pitt, had a sexual relationship with Jenny Shimizu. And Drew Barrymore, 35, has reportedly said, "Being with a woman is like exploring your own body, but through someone else." Flexisexual.net is a website where women can find "sexy, open-minded women looking to explore their sexuality, chat, hook up with and more." "This is where straight women who feel curious about bisexual passion or romance start out," it says. "The common interest makes it easy for like-minded individuals to connect with each other and find someone compatible, compared to leaving it up to chance." For many of today's women in their late teens and 20s, openness to intimate physical relationships with either gender has become a way of life, rather than an "experiment." This relatively new phenomenon is likely a product of a generation unconcerned with labels. Often, it begins in the enlightened college cocoon, where women can explore their sexuality, though a recent ABC report from San Antonio, Texas, said flexisexuality is also part of the high school culture. Experts say more sexual experimentation occurs when people have not yet found a partner, before they settle into monogamous relationships. College is also a safe cocoon for self-discovery.

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Ladies, Is Two Minutes enough?

 

I can only last for two minutes during sex

Dear Coleen,

I’m 28, my partner is 22 and we have three children. We’ve been together for three years and have had quite a good sex life. I’ve never lasted that long in bed, though, and now it’s the best part of two minutes.

My partner doesn’t say anything but I’m worried it will ruin our relationship. Do you have any tips for lasting longer during sex? I don’t want to lose her.

Coleen

says..

If your partner hasn’t said anything then I don’t think you have to worry about her leaving you. Stop putting extra pressure on yourself.

Secondly, I’ve heard that between two and five minutes is actually quite normal.

Why not ask your partner if there’s anything she’d like you to try? Changing the position you have sex in might help. A lot of men say they last longer when their partner’s on top, for example.

You could also try tantric sex. When you make love, reach the point when you’re almost about to ejaculate, then stop. Do this a few times before climaxing. Many men say this trains them to last longer.

On another note, I know lots of busy, stressed mums who’d be happy with two minutes. I always say to Ray, if he can squeeze it in during an ad break on the telly, then I’m happy with that! Read more at www.mirror.co.uk

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First Kiss Is More Powerful Than First Sexual Encounter

Clipped from abcnews.go.com

Valentine's Day Tip for Lovers: A Good Kiss Can Seal A Relationship, A Bad Kiss Can Kill It

Psychologists report that most people can remember up to 90 percent of the details of their first romantic kiss, a memory that is even more powerful that their first sexual encounter.

The "Shoop-Shoop Song, (It's in His Kiss)," sung by both Betty Everett and later Cher, says it all.

"Think about all those date-movies where that long-awaited first kiss brings sighs and heart flutters to the audience and seals the deal between the couples on the screen," said Sarasota, Fla., psychologist LeslieBeth Wish.

"The lips are very sensitive tissue, with many nerve endings that signal reactions such as hot and cold, sharp and soft," she said. "These same nerve endings also activate our feelings of closeness and attachment by arousing the brain's love chemicals such as oxytocin."

On Valentine's Day it is worth noting that the romantic kiss may be underrated in a fast culture that celebrates booty calls, pornography and online dating.

"Despite the casualness of sex these days, kisses still pack a serious punch," said Wish. "Good kissers know not to swallow up the mouth of the other, not to jam their tongue down the partner's throat or knock their teeth. Kisses are such powerful connectors that the moment of the first touch can overwhelm you with pleasure."

It can also break the deal.

"The worst kiss is the kind when it feels like a serpent has just entered your mouth and is swirling around inside of it," said Severin Witte, a 22-year-old college senior from Brenham, Texas.

An estimated 59 percent of men and 66 percent of women end a relationship because of a bad first kiss, according to Sheril Kirshenbaum, author of "The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us."

"So much information is exchanged with a kiss," she said. "One kiss and everything can be completely off. It's the ultimate litmus test."

Research for her recent book revealed that, as a rule, "men prefer open-mouth kissing, and women complain about too much tongue," said Kirshenbaum.

The kiss may even serve an evolutionary purpose. Men's saliva contains a small amount of testosterone that can, over repeated exposure, arouse a woman's libido and eventually persuade her to mate.

In a a study at the State University of New York at Albany, men described kissing as a "means to an end...something else down the line," but women saw it as a route to a deeper relationship, according to Kirshenbaum.

Women are also more sensitive to scent and taste, using their senses to detect if the man is the "right match."

"Kissing is such a good example of a behavior that is both nature and nurture," she said. "We seem to have an instinctive drive to kiss and connect in some way."

Man's earliest kisses were with the nose, kind of like the Eskimo rub, according to Kirshenbaum, probably allowing humans to reconnect with relatives and find out clues about a person's health.

Kissing may have moved to the mouth as humans became sensitized to the color red, finding ripe fruits for food. That may have led to a woman's red lips, an indicator of a potentially fertile mate. Modern studies show that the color red makes the heart beat faster and may be the reason why women still use lipstick.

The first mention of a mouth kiss -- "smelling with the mouth" -- was in India's Sanskrit texts in 1500 B.C. Later, in the third century A.D., the Kama Sutra instructed readers to kiss "the forehead, the eyes, the cheeks, the throat, the bosom, the breasts, the lips and the interior of the mouth."

Kissing went on to become an act of greeting or reverence, not only sexuality. Greeks and Romans chronicled kisses between slaves and owners; Christians kissed the hands of priests and popes.

In the Middle Ages among the illiterate, legal documents were marked with an X and sealed with a kiss. But by the time the plague arrived in the 17th century, a kiss became deadly and men were more apt to tip a hat than risk touching lips.

Some of the most memorable kisses have come out of Hollywood.

Burt Lancaster's famous kiss in the surf with Deborah Kerr in the 1953 film "From Here to Eternity," still ranks as the most memorable of all screen kisses, as rated by entertainment writer Erik Lundegaard. Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst ranked second in their upside-down kiss in the 2002 movie "Spider-Man," followed by George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the 1990 move "Ghost."

Kissing can even be good for your health.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, when people kiss, salivary glands under the tongue and in the cheeks are stimulated to produce more saliva. The water, proteins, electrolytes and mineral salts in saliva keep the mouth healthy.

What makes a good kisser?

"I like when he takes charge...but not too aggressive," said Kendra Handy, 21, of Snellville, Ga. "I like to feel engaged -- kissing is about more than just lip."

Ashley Boyce, 21, of Bandera, Texas, said a good kiss has "just the right amount of tongue-to-lips-to-teeth ratio."

And it always has to be an appropriate setting, not a busy street corner or school hallway," she said. "In the 'Wedding Singer' they call it 'church tongue'!"

And women don't have to be gay to appreciate a good kiss with another woman.

Annette Bening told ABC News in a recent interview that her co-star in the film "The Kids Are All Right," Julianne Moore, was "at the top" of her list of great kissers.

"We've actually talked about this," Bening said, referring to Moore. "Because both of us have kissed a lot of guys, OK? That's the bottom line. So, we both agree we'd much rather kiss each other than many of the men we've had to kiss." Read more at abcnews.go.com

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