Throughout history, love has been a subject of fascination and mystery. Philosophers, religious figures and scientists have sought to explain the phenomenon. Today, many people believe that love is a chemical reaction in the brain. Others think that it’s a combination of feelings and experiences. In either case, love is an important part of our lives. It’s the driving force behind marriages, friendships and business relationships. It’s also the source of some psychological disorders, such as erotomania.
Love is a feeling of intense euphoria and deep affection for another person. It’s a desire to spend time with them and a willingness to take on their problems and insecurities. Love can be platonic or romantic. It may be short-term or long-term, and it can vary in intensity. It might feel like a rush of adrenaline or a quiet hum.
The concept of love has different meanings for different cultures and religions. It can be defined as the bond between a parent and child, a friend or a spouse. It can even be a feeling of affection for a pet or an object.
People in love experience a variety of emotions, including excitement and attraction, pleasure and joy, trust and care. Some researchers believe that these feelings are caused by a jumble of chemicals in the brain, including dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine. Other researchers think that these biological reactions are only part of the story. They suggest that other factors, such as social influences and the ability to fulfill one’s needs, contribute to falling in love.
For example, a potential partner’s ability to fulfill needs for companionship, sex and mating makes them more likely to be loved. In addition, proximity or “propinquity” — the sense of being close to someone, as well as the desire for their company and thoughts — are also important in falling in love.
In the early stages of love, a brain area that’s associated with addiction and focus is activated by the presence of a person you like. This can make you behave obsessively, such as seeking out the person or daydreaming about them. As the relationship matures and reaches the stage of attachment, the release of dopamine and adrenaline is replaced by oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone.” This can help cement relationships and lead to long-term commitments.
Although these chemicals are important in falling in love, they don’t fully explain why some people stay in love for decades or longer. Other, less obvious factors, such as similarity in beliefs and personality traits, also appear to contribute to lasting love. Still, it’s difficult to pin down exactly what causes true love, despite the many books and articles written on the topic. There will always be days, weeks and maybe even years when you don’t feel as mushy-gushy in love as you did at the beginning. But it’s worth sticking with your relationship because true love is more than a feeling. It’s a lifetime of shared experiences, challenges and triumphs.
