Smooching - How much can you take?

Kissing

Last month on the blog I discussed the average attention span. Picking up on that theme, I heard another interesting statistic. 

This one has me equally baffled. According to a survey, people are willing to watch a kissing scene for twelve seconds. Now granted, twelve seconds doesn't sound very long but think about it. 

This survey wasn't using a couple having short sweet kisses while talking or giggling. We are referring to a full-blown, wet, get the heart-pumping kiss. 

I challenge you. Set a timer for twelve seconds.

Ready?

Now, imagine watching a couple go at it. Not a couple on the big screen, but an average couple. 

One thousand…two thousand. 

Keep watching that couple.

You're not even halfway there yet. 

When you've had enough, how many seconds are left on the timer?

There is a reason the camera angle changes during a 'Hollywood' kissing scene. You've watched the characters in that relationship grow and develop, but still, enough is enough. I think that is why the director uses sheer curtains, a fence, something, anything to add dimension to the scene. Even the character's hands get in the way of the lip lock. 

As you can guess, twelve seconds, in my mind, is way too long to watch. 

So, back to the 8.5-second attention span. I think during the kiss the viewer's mind is wandering for at least 3.5 seconds.