6 Seconds to Love

I may no longer have a playlist featuring Barbra or Helen, but the feeling of witnessing my parents’ unabashed affection remains unforgettable. As a kid, I’d scrunch up my nose and declare their touchy, silly displays “gross.” Later, I’d roll my eyes and exclaim, “Oh, come on—get a room, guys!”

Those quirky memories shaped my expectations of marriage—a constant lifeline linking the heart of a relationship. Today,  Craig isn’t much of a dancer; he can only manage a simple sway. In recent years, we’d almost forgotten how to move together in our kitchen or living room, and I miss that spark. Then I discovered the “6 Second Kiss,” a brief, intentional moment that mirrors the connection I admired in my parents.

Once, Craig and I exchanged quick pecks for greetings and goodbyes. Now, we’ve upgraded to a daily extended smooch—even Aubrey chimes in with playful “ewwws.” We may be a bit clumsy about our newfound routine, but each lingering kiss releases up a cascade of hormones and reminds me of who I want us to be. It’s our lifeline, our anchor in this imperfect journey of love.

I’ve also heard about the “20 Second Hug,” touted to work the same magic. For now, though, our kiss ritual is keeping us connected and reminds us that sometimes, the smallest moments are the most powerful.