Unravel the mysteries of the heart as we delve into the fascinating realm of love psychology. Prepare to be intrigued by surprising truths and scientific insights that will forever change your understanding of this profound human emotion.
Romantic love is actually three feelings in one
Lust – the desire to reproduce
- Attachment – feelings of comfort and nurturing
- Love can be used as an effective pain reliever
- People in love often have different interests and personality traits after entering into their respective relationships
- A study found that people have a more diverse sense of self and an increased self-esteem after falling in love
Falling in love is like getting high
When you fall in love, your brain releases a hormone called phenylethylamine, known as the “love drug.”
- People in the early stages of an intense romantic relationship exhibit many symptoms of substance addictions, including euphoria, cravings, withdrawal, and emotional and physical dependence.
You can still be madly in love after decades of marriage
Researchers found the same level of activity in dopamine-rich areas of the brain for both the long-married couples and those who were newly in love.
- If you’re in a deep relationship, your hearts might be beating in sync
- A study found that there are physiological signals between two people in love
Love can raise cortisol levels
Longtime married couple Richard Schwartz and Jacqueline Olds are Harvard Medical School professors and couples therapists who have been studying the evolution of love for decades
- In one study, they uncovered the science behind the phrase “love is blind.”
- According to Schwartz, the feeling of love deactivates the neural pathway responsible for negative emotions such as fear and social judgment, so when you start to fall in love, your ability to make critical assessments shuts down.
Everyone wants to be cared for and appreciated
And studies have found that gratitude can actually improve relationships
- For example, one study found that couples who took the time to express gratitude for their partner not only felt more positive toward the other person but also felt more comfortable expressing concerns about their relationship
