Love is a complex, emotionally-charged emotion that can range from a deep bond with a pet to the unconditional commitment of an unwavering partner. This feeling can evoke a powerful sense of empathy, feelings of selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice anything for your loved one.
The scientific study of love began in the late 1970s, when psychologists realized that people feel good when their loved ones are happy. They also started to consider different kinds of love, such as romantic love and companionate love (Berscheid & Walter, 1978).
It’s often difficult to define love. Throughout history, philosophers, poets, writers and scientists have debated the meaning of love.
Some studies show that people in romantic relationships experience a burst of activity in the brain’s reward system and pleasure center. This is the same part of the brain that activates when we get an adrenaline rush or a hit of cocaine.
Being in love can change your outlook on life and make you see things differently. You may become more tolerant of others’ flaws and be willing to try new things you might previously have avoided.
This kind of change can be an excellent thing to have in your life, but it can also cause stress if you’re not careful. If your love is causing you stress, talk to a licensed therapist about getting help. Therapy can help you identify the causes of any conflicts and offer professional coping strategies.
Choosing the right therapist can be difficult, but online therapy is an option that many people choose. It is hundreds of dollars cheaper than in-person sessions and allows you to meet with your therapist on your own schedule.
A therapist can help you learn how to cope with the emotions associated with love and improve your relationship. Your therapist can also teach you techniques for communicating effectively with your loved one.
The science of love is rooted in biology
While many people think of romantic love as an emotional experience, it has actually evolved over time and is based on biological processes that have been around for millions of years. During our early childhood, offspring depend on their parents for food and protection. This helps ensure the survival of the species and sets up the foundation for the emotions of love.
The first few days of a relationship can be very exciting and overwhelming. You feel completely smitten and you want to spend every waking moment with your partner. But as you get to know each other better and trust each other, you’ll probably find that love is a fluid and changing thing.
It is common for you to go through periods of time when your love feels shaky or unsure. But if you keep working with your loved one, it will soon build and grow again.
You might even start to think about how much you enjoy being with your loved one and want to share those experiences with them. It’s a great way to bond and create memories that will last forever.
