Soulmate Gem
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Do lips get bigger after kissing?

According to Ryan Neinstein, M.D., a plastic surgeon in New York City, our lips are made up of blood vessels, which become dilated during kissing.

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The prospect of cooties didn’t bother me in kindergarten when I pinned down my crush at recess and laid one on him (though I was a little disappointed that he cried and stormed off toward the water fountain). Fortunately my kissing abilities and understanding of consent have both improved since then, and it turns out that even if cooties are real, they might actually be good for your health. Seriously—making out has some very real, science-backed benefits that you can read about below. 1. Kissing is good for your teeth—as long as the two of you are fairly hygienic According to Sivan Finkel, a cosmetic dentist in New York City, kissing leads to increased saliva production, which helps our teeth rid themselves of harmful bacteria. “The extra saliva helps remineralize teeth and protect them from acid attacks,” he says. Even better, some experts believe that saliva's mineral ions can promote the repair of small lesions in tooth enamel—but again, oral hygiene is key. “Before you swap [spit], check their breath, and if they pass the sniff test, then kiss away,” Dr. Finkel says.

2. Kissing can give your immune system a boost

More than 700 types of bacteria have been found in the human mouth, but no two people have the exact same makeup of oral germs, so exchanging saliva with someone can introduce new “foreign” bacteria into your body, which isn't a bad thing. “Trillions of microorganisms live on or inside us, and collectively they're known as the microbiome,” says Shilpa Ravella, M.D., a gastroenterologist and an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Ravella points to a recent Dutch study that found that when we kiss for more than 10 seconds, about 80 million bacteria are transferred between us and our partner, which can introduce new and sometimes helpful bacteria into our mouths. “Many studies have shown that having a variety of bacterial species correlates with good health. A diverse microbiome can help regulate the immune system and protect against harmful germs.”

We’ll take that over a booster shot any day.

3. Kissing can lower anxiety

From a chemical standpoint, one of the primary health benefits of kissing is its ability to release the hormone oxytocin (known as the love hormone), according to Stephanie Hartselle, M.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry at Brown University, who cites its ability to induce a sense of calm, relaxation, and bonding in humans. The hormone, which is also released during foreplay and orgasm, “has been shown to be as powerful as meditation and many antianxiety medications in producing a feeling of peace and contentment,” Dr. Hartselle says. Research has also shown that kissing reduces the chemical cortisol, which is associated with stress.

4. Kissing can help lessen allergic reactions

Bet you never knew making out could help ease itchy symptoms that come with nasal or skin allergies. Stay with us on this one: In 2006 allergist Hajime Kimata studied 24 patients with two types of allergies—mild atopic eczema (a skin allergy) and mild allergic rhinitis (a nasal allergy)—before and after they had kissed lovers or spouses for 30 minutes while listening to soft music.

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What is Happy Life quote?

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters." "Happiness is the secret to all beauty. There is no beauty without happiness." "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

Let’s get real here—we've all had our fair share of bad days. Maybe you had a heated argument with a friend or family member and it's still got you in a funk, or maybe you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. When sad days seem to take over, sit down, take a deep breath, and read through a few of the best happy quotes out there, like this list we’ve compiled. Here, we've curated the very best, most inspirational quotes about happiness in the hopes that they'll help put a smile on your face. Already on cloud nine? The truth is, you don't need to be having a sad day to enjoy these happy quotes—give yourself a self love quote, or share positive quotes about happiness with a friend. As Mark Twain said, “The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up.” 🌻 Join the Country Club today and enjoy exclusive access to home tours, seasonal craft projects, recipes, and more So take a cue from Walt Disney (“Happiness is a state of mind. It’s just according to the way you look at things”) and Albert Einstein (“A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness”), and celebrate all the happy times—past, present, and future. A short quote from musician Bobby McFerrin perhaps says it best: “Don’t worry. Be happy.”

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