Do you want to chat about science with me? You did hear that correctly. Irreverent hearts and poetic brains are not the only factors that contribute to love; chemistry and biology also play a role in understanding love. Imagine that love is a song, and that science is the melody that is responsible for composing the rhythm.
When it comes to our biology, love is responsible for a symphony of chemical events that take place in our brain. The effect is comparable to that of a natural, home-made narcotic that might give you a significant high!
Whenever we are in love, our brains go into overdrive, causing a mixture of hormones and neurotransmitters to be released into the bloodstream. At the same time, dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline are all involved in the process.
If you want to feel happy, dopamine, which is the reward hormone, is what you need. This is the same hormone that is released when you eat your favourite chocolate or when you win a game on your favourite game. It's no wonder that love is so satisfying to experience!
Next up comes oxytocin, which is commonly referred to as the "cuddle hormone." The act of physically touching someone causes this precious jewel to flood our system, which in turn encourages connection and trust. Simply put, this is the reason why a hug from a loved one can be so reassuring.
Furthermore, let us not overlook the hormone adrenaline, which is responsible for the 'rush' that occurs during the 'crash'. When you are in the presence of someone that you find attractive, it is the thing that causes your heart to beat faster and your palms to sweat.
From a psychological point of view, love is connected to the fundamental urge that we have to feel attached to something. 'Attachment styles' are patterns of how we behave in relationships, and John Bowlby, a well-known psychologist, claimed that our early experiences with carers shape these styles.
Those individuals who were raised by caring carers formed solid bonds, which ultimately led to healthier love relationships when they reached maturity. On the other hand, those who are not actively involved in their caregiving or who are neglectful may have difficulty trusting their partners.
"Bold 'love' text in collage of hearts, arrows and roses"
We have come a long way in our understanding of love, from the ancient Greeks to the neuroscientists on the cutting edge of the field. An intricate interaction between chemistry, biology, psychology, and one's own personal experience is at play here.
Remember that it's not just love; it's science the next time you find yourself experiencing butterflies in your stomach or finding it difficult to laugh at a text message from someone you care about.