Love is a topic that has intrigued philosophers, poets, writers and scientists for generations. People have debated about what exactly is love, with many people believing that it is a combination of feelings and behaviors. Others think that it is a deep respect, admiration or even awe for non-human animals or principles like freedom or God. Whatever you believe, one thing is clear: love can change your life and make it better.
The idea of love has been explored through a variety of disciplines, from philosophy and religion to psychology and neuroscience. The scientific study of love has grown tremendously over the years, and researchers now focus on a wide range of topics, including the hormone cascades that cause feelings of affection and attachment, as well as how these processes can lead to conflict and dissatisfaction.
A common view of love is that it’s a feeling of affection, closeness and connection between two people. This is a broad view that includes the kinds of love you feel for family members, friends and romantic partners. It can also include platonic love, which is a close friendship between two people, or erotomania, which is an extreme form of romantic love that causes heightened emotions and behaviors that aren’t typical for normal humans.
When you love someone, parts of your brain that help you detect danger (the amygdala) and make decisions (the frontal lobe) become temporarily hibernated. This can make it easier to do things without thinking about them that would normally be risky or embarrassing. For example, you may fall head over heels for someone and spontaneously confess your love in front of a crowd at their birthday party. While this can be funny, it can also have more serious consequences, like not recognizing red flags in your partner’s behavior.
Another aspect of love is that it helps you endure struggles, work hard and make sacrifices. For instance, if your loved ones are sick, injured or in danger, being there for them emotionally can make you stronger. A 2012 study found that people who felt strongly satisfied with their marriages lived longer than those who didn’t.
A final aspect of love is that it can make you less likely to experience physical pain and disease. For example, having a good relationship with your significant other can reduce stress and depression, which in turn can lower blood pressure. Additionally, loving and caring for others can also reduce your chances of developing heart problems, according to research.
