We should normalize that we are loving with our friends – here is why

When Scarlett Johansson40, sat down Today to talk about her new movie, Jurassic World RebirthHost Craig Melton asked the question that seems to have marveled many people on the internet during the days before: Why the actress continues to kiss her cost, Jonathan Bailey?

“There has been a lot of talk about this kissing thing that you and Jonathan have done all over the world,” Melton started. Note that Bailey, who is gay, “seems to exceed sexuality” and is just completely “attractive”, pressed Melton, “is that why (you) continue to plant lips on him?”

It is true that Johansson and Bailey have been noticeably loving on their Jurassic Press the tour in recent weeks. They have not shared one, but two kisses one of the lips – one at the London premiere Jurassic World Rebirth, And the other at the New York premiere – they have been snapped in a meaningful way in each other’s eyes and they never miss a chance to lock their arms or hold their hands when they can.

“(He is) a lovable guy. What can I say? We are friendly people,” Johansson told Melton. He then asked if she was “surprised” that so many people talked about their loving behavior, and she simply answered: “Nothing surprises me today.”

Unlike Scarjo, I Where Surprised. I was surprised that people were surprised. Why did a couple of friends who were so happy to see each other during the chaos from a press event that they hugged, kissed and wanted to remain close to each other on the internet on fire? Why did a moment of connection between two friends create such widespread confusion?

As a single woman living in the New York City – Metropolitan counterpart to a chaotic red carpet – I reject the view that physical affection documents should be reserved for romantic relationships alone.

I am with Johansson and Bailey and I think more Platonic friends should kiss. I’m not saying to go for in-depth makeup sessions (unless it is your thing), but a simple peck on your lips to show your friend that you have missed them and you are happy to see them is not so big.

My friends are in the middle of my life and have proven to be more important to me yet, if I am honest, most that I have kissed romantic.

So why shouldn’t we show each other the little affection? If all the consent involved, I believe that we should normalize the idea that physical touch can definitely be a language of love for platonic relationships as much as too romantic.

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This idea is beautifully proven by a group of queer friends that I have recently kept up. They sit on each other’s turns, they go hand in hand, they lie on each other’s shoulders.

Recently one of them texted me, “Carly, if you come out tonight, I will kiss you on your mouth.” It may be too much for some, but for me it was a welcome conditioner in a world of nonchalant, “Yes, you can come if you want,” messages.

Some comments expressed confusion about the fact that Bailey is gay and that Johansson is married, but I challenge us all to expand our ideas about what is possible. Two friends, regardless of their sexual orientation and marital status, should not kiss so much rebellion.

Bailey, of course, put it perfectly when asked about all the lip action: “I believe in being able to show love in all ways,” he told Entertainment tonight. “And if you can’t kiss your friends … Life is too short not to do it.”

And if your friends were the Scarlett Johansson or the Jonathan Bailey, wouldn’t you kiss them too?