We have a reputation for being old romantics, but a new survey reveals our Romeos and Juliets are actually quite young: almost half of Irish people enjoyed their first romantic kiss between the ages of fifteen and nineteen.
However, while over 56 per cent described their first snog as a positive experience, a quarter of those surveyed said that stolen moment behind the bike shed is a memory they’d rather forget.
Both gentle and French kissing topped the poll as Ireland’s favourite type of kisses, with each attracting 40 per cent of the vote. Although when gender was taken into account, 53 per cent of men opted for French kissing compared to only 29 per cent of women.
Almost two in three people say that cold sores are the greatest turnoff when it comes to smooching, according to the Cymex findings. Bad breath was also cited as a reason for not puckering up, as well as having ashtray breath and a sloppy kissing technique.
Georgia Salpa topped the poll as the most kissable Irish female celebrity with Amy Huberman coming in second. 17 per cent of us would like to lock lips with Jamie Dornan while 14 per cent would like to enjoy a tender moment with Pierce Brosnan.
Relationship and Psychosexual therapist Nuala Deering says the first romantic kiss is an important part of a fledgling relationship:
“It is a simple connection of lips to lips, which can create intensely pleasurable feelings, connecting a couple emotionally and physically and transforming a friendship or flirtation into a long term relationship. Kissing is an integral part of intimate communication and the good news is that we can learn to be better more mindful kissers.”
Apparently, kissing helps us to assess characteristics about potential mates. So if a first kiss does not make your toes tingle it could be that you are not biologically compatible.
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