‘Love at first kiss’ couples have better love stories — psychologists explain why

Romance isn’t just for fairytales.

Psychologists explain how romantics who believe in “love at first kiss” allow their expectations to influence their love lives.

People with idealized beliefs of romance are more likely to place high importance on relationship milestones like a first kiss — but they’re not just living in a fairytale.

Narratives that emphasize the importance of chemistry, connection and experiencing “butterflies” have been proven to positively influence people’s love stories.

A recent study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, explained how first kiss beliefs influence people’s process of falling in love and chances of riding off into the sunset with their partner.

For one, the researchers found that a first kiss can be a tool for “mate selection” as leaning in for a smooch allows you to breathe in your partner’s scent, which can be an indicator of a person’s health.

After that initial peck, first kiss beliefs shape lovers’ perceptions of romance and influence the course and quality of a relationship.

Considering your partner a good kisser and leaning in to kiss them often as the relationship continues isn’t a desperate call for affection but a sign of sexual and relationship satisfaction, the study found.

Being a romantic isn’t for the young and naive.

People who have idealized romantic expectations, such as believing in the importance of a first kiss, are also more likely to overlook a partner’s flaws, researchers said.

This willingness to idolize their partner isn’t just a fantasy but was found to help maintain relationship satisfaction and commitment leading to longer-lasting relationships.

However, for some romantics, placing too high an importance on these “first kiss beliefs” can contribute to more unrealistic expectations setting their relationships up for failure.

But who are these romantics?

People with anxious attachment styles, commonly identified by a fear of abandonment and dependency on partners, were found to be more likely than those with more secure attachment styles to hold these ideals as a validation of their worthiness and desirability.

However, there is a line between believing in these romantic ideals and delusion as pinning after an unrequited love can turn from a romantic daydream to an unhealthy obsession.