The Challenge

Each day for the next seven days give your spouse a 6-second kiss.

Our Experience

One Mississippi

Two Mississippi

Three Mississippi

Four Mississippi

Five Mississippi

Six Mississippi

Wow! That’s longer than you think.

According to Dr. John Gottman, the leading researcher on relationships, a daily 6-second kiss not only does wonders for your marriage but also for your general mental health.

A 6-second kiss releases oxytocin in our brain, which causes, among other things, social cognition, bonding and psychological safety.

It also reduces stress and anxiety and increases memory.

Are you becoming more forgetful? Now you know why.

In the old days, men who kissed their wives before heading to work lived four years longer than men who did not. (of course, that assumes that they wanted another four years with each other.) Today, couples who work from home have all day to get a 6-second kiss in.

If physical touch is not one of your spouse’s 5 Love Languages it may take some practice and gradual build-up. (The next time your spouse asks you to take out the trash, I dare you to say, “Sorry, Acts of Service is not one of my Love Languages.”)

One time when Libby and I were asked in a marriage class what can our partner do to make us feel loved, I answered, “When she kisses me, give me a real kiss and not a puckered-up mom kiss.”

Her answer?

“When you clean the bathroom.”

I knew I was in trouble.

You younger husbands: It may only take two seconds to flood your brain with oxytocin!

And perhaps your marriage is not in the position to give or receive affection. Make sure there is still space for mutual respect and kindness.

So, will you accept the 6-second challenge?