Soul songs from the '70s and '80s tell us how important the kiss is. When we watch movies, the build-up to the perfect smooch is a pivotal part of the film.

Complete with lighting, camera angles and the music creates the euphoria that is connected to the perfect kiss. Now in the real world, kissing doesn't come with all the accompaniments, but it is still pretty awesome. When you meet someone new who you have amazing chemistry with, kissing for the first time is an event. The question is: How important is kissing to your relationship?

Oxford University scientists recently conducted a study to answer this question. According to the findings, kissing is a tool that people use to evaluate each other based on smell and taste. This helps to decide the suitability of a potential partner. Generally, kissing is more important to women than it is to men. Previous studies have shown women tend to be more selective than men when initially choosing a partner, but both groups place a high value on kissing, suggesting it may help in assessing a potential partner.

A part of this study is to look at kissing in various relationships and how it affects the overall quality of the union. Here are some of the findings:

In short relationships, participants said kissing was most important before sex and was least important at other times.

In committed relationships, kissing was equally important before sex and at times not related to sex.

More frequent kissing was linked to the quality of a relationship.

Women's attitudes to romantic kissing were affected by the stages of both their relationship and menstrual cycle. Women valued kissing most at early stages of a relationship, and during the part of their cycle when they are most likely to conceive.

Previous studies have shown that hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle can change a woman's preferences for a potential mate. Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/

However, you feel about kissing, the fact is, it is important to your relationship. Generally, Jamaicans don't kiss a lot, especially in public. Couples who kiss each other often, enjoy closer intimacy and stronger union, so make an effort to pucker up more often with your lover. Have fun and stay sexy.

Send your questions or comments to sexchatwithshelly@gmail.com or Tweet me @drsexyann or Facebook www.facebook.com/allaboutthesexy

Question

Dear Dr Sexy

I have been dating this guy for the past three months. We like each other but we both have demanding jobs and it is hard to make time to be with each other. I work in entertainment and was working at an event when I saw him walk in with some friends. I went over and said hello after I finished working. He told me that he is with his friends so he couldn't hang out with me. I was disappointed because I feel like he finds the time to go out with his friends, but he can never find any time to be with me. Am I being paranoid?

Thanks

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

I understand how you feel and why you would be suspicious. I know what it is like to be busy and try to be with a busy person. What I can say without a doubt is that people will always find time for the things they consider important. You have good reason to be concerned. I will recommend that you let the person know how you feel and figure out where you go from there. Good luck and stay sexy.

Dr Sexy