Love Really IS a Drug!
Love and romance are in the air as Valentines Day approaches. But just what is romantic love? It’s been described as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; feelings of sexual desire; a deeply euphoric feeling towards another. There is no singular universally accepted definition.Though it may be indescribable, we know love when we feel it. What most people don’t know is that scientists have found that “love is a drug.” Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist at Rutgers University, used MRI’s to examine how the brain reacts when people are newly in love. Researchers found that couples in love had increased activity in the part of the brain that produces dopamine, which creates cravings for love, sex and chocolate. In addition, they found an increase in serotonin, which elevates mood and oxytocin, which creates feelings of bonding and attachment.Though the “love drug” is produced spontaneously in the beginning of a romance, nearly all relationships settle and cool. That’s why consciously connecting through small acts of love frequently is vital. Make a habit of stimulating your and your partner’s “love drug” by thinking about one simple question every day:What will I do today to let my partner know that I love him/her?The gift of love can be in the smallest of ways:
- a warm hug (lasting at least 10 seconds)
- a cuddle (when you go to sleep and wake up)
- a goodbye kiss (more than a peck on the cheek)
- loving words (you look beautiful today)
- a gesture of service (I’ll clean up breakfast)
- a meaningful token (a flower, a favorite food)
- a loving note (surprise her/him)
Remember to “make” love every day by understanding you have the power to create the feeling of love in your relationship.Keep those chemicals flowing!