Philemaphobia refers to a fear of kissing. This particular phobia can hinder an individual's personal and sexual relationships because kissing is a standard form of physical affection between friends, family, and sexual partners.
Philemaphobia is related to other phobias related to physical contact and intimacy. An individual that experiences philemaphobia might also experience a fear of physical or psychological intimacy, sexual intercourse, germs, or even agoraphobia. This phobia might be a fear of the first kiss between themselves and a stranger or it might involve all forms of kissing. The phobia might develop as a result of cultural beliefs (the act of kissing is considered sinful in some cultures and religions), trauma, or a fear of the germs associated with kissing.
