If your relationship doesnt have this, it probably will fail, experts warn

Pucker up! In today’s busy world, couples often focus on big gestures — fancy date nights, vacations and therapy sessions — in hopes of keeping their relationship alive.But leading relationship experts are sounding the alarm on something much simpler, yet frequently overlooked: a kiss.Not sex, not deep conversation — just a sweet smooch.It may seem minor, but the consequences of skipping this small act could be more serious than many couples realize.Mariah Freya, a sex education expert and co-founder of sex-ed platform Beducated, told the Daily Mail that kissing is the “most underrated relationship tool.”While couples obsess over how often they’re having sex or whether their communication is strong enough, Freya insists they’re ignoring one of the most powerful indicators of long-term happiness: genuine, consistent kissing.“Something magical happens when we stop going about kissing in a mechanical way and really focus on it, even if it’s for a few seconds more,” Freya told the outlet.“That’s when your brain shifts from ‘greeting mode’ to ‘connection mode.’ Your partner literally becomes more attractive to you.” A 2020 study revealed that how often couples kiss is a strong predictor of both sexual and overall relationship satisfaction.

But despite its benefits, many couples aren’t kissing nearly enough.A 2011 survey found that one in five married couples don’t kiss for an entire week.Even more concerning, two in five married people say their kisses last only five seconds or less.Interestingly, age appears to play a role in kissing habits.

Those aged 18 to 24 kiss an average of 11 times a week, while five percent of adults over 45 manage to squeeze in more than 31 kisses per week.Still, many adults blame their busy schedules for the decline in physical affection — but experts say that may be something more concerning.

“If kissing fades, it’s a subtle sign that something deeper is shifting.It’s one of the first signs ...