Love is a complex feeling that comes in many forms. It can be a bond with family, the camaraderie of friends, or the butterflies from romantic feelings. It enriches our lives and provides support during tough times. It also needs care and understanding to thrive. While it can be difficult to define, there are some things we know about love:
When people feel in love, their brains produce oxytocin and dopamine. These chemicals make them more likely to be open and trusting and may even help them forget their annoyances. They are also more likely to show physical affection, such as holding hands and kissing. This is probably due to the fact that our bodies evolved to be influenced by hormones and pheromones, and that they are designed to bond with others.
It is often said that you know you’re in love when the person takes up major real estate in your thoughts. This might mean thinking about them at work, rehashing conversations, or planning dates days in advance. It could even mean obsessing over their photos or rereading text messages. This is because when you fall in love, your brain produces a surge of dopamine and norepinephrine, which increase memory and attention to stimuli.
Another sign that you are in love is when you feel like your heart could burst. This is because you are in a state of arousal, which can trigger the same kind of response as cocaine. In fact, some scientists believe that the chemicals involved in love actually mimic the effects of cocaine.
You can also tell you are in love when your desire for the person increases over time. The more you get to know someone, the more you want them and find them desirable based on their personality, characteristics, and values.
There are other ways to tell that you’re in love, such as if you’re putting their interests before yours or making sacrifices for them. This is called “elevated love,” or bhakti, and it’s often seen in Hindu devotional practices. It is also a core component of agape, which is love for God and others.
Ultimately, the best way to know you’re in love is to experience it for yourself. You might have days or even weeks when you aren’t all mushy and gushy, but this is normal. Stick with it, and soon you’ll realize that the true love in your life is worth fighting for. It’s the kind of love that makes your heart swell, makes you laugh, and brings out the best in you. It’s the kind of love that you can’t imagine life without. It’s a feeling that grows and changes with you, and is rooted in deep caring and mutual respect. It is the most important thing in your life. The three links below provide some examples of how to write a great essay about love.
