And, if you’re interested in getting to the bottom of the butterflies, read on.
Let’s start with a little neuroscience. Fact: We’re all wired for love (whether you want to be or not). According to Professor Loretta Breuning, PhD. and founder of The Inner Mammal Institute at the California State University, your brain is focused on survival, and reproduction is the pinnacle of survival. How romantic ….
However, regardless of the cause, falling in love feels good. In fact, studies show that the culmination of happy hormones in your brain creates a sensation of euphoria that’s akin to a hit of cocaine! Did you know that physiologically, it takes just a fifth of a second (!) for all those make-you-crazy chemicals to fire at once and produce that “in love” feeling?
Here’s what happens: The dopamine surge in your brain - associated with mate selection - kicks off the love fest. This chemical makes you giddy, energetic and euphoric – which means that you can actually be so “in love” that you can’t eat and can’t sleep. Dopamine then triggers the release of oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone” which is released during touching. And a significant increase in serotonin in women - associated with obsessive thinking about romantic partners - finishes off the love cocktail. Turns out that much of love can be explained by chemistry!
In 1993, Haddeway asked the world, “what is real love?” Thing is, true love can’t really be defined, everyone experiences love in their own way. So, not sure if he ever got his answer, but here’s another attempt to answer the question:
The world we’re living in is a lot. It’s complex, uncertain, and sometimes downright chaotic. But it’s also filled with compassion, inspiration, and endless opportunity.
There are a million paths to travel and for those of us who choose love; we build a world within a world where we can experience who we truly are, and all that we can be. It’s like the first breath of fresh air after the rain. It’s the warmth we feel when we cuddle beneath a blanket. It’s the gentle voice we hear when the world gets too loud. It’s the beauty we see when we look into another’s eyes and see their heart.
Research is abundantly clear, we all want to be seen, heard, and valued. Real love doesn’t need butterflies to persist. You’ll accept, perhaps even embrace each other’s respective quirks. Truly loving someone involves a deep connection and trust. You’ll feel safe and satisfied, not sacrificed.
So, when you’re lucky enough to find true love, bask in it, but never take it for granted. Continue to be kind to one another and to do more of the little things that matter.
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides” – David Viscott
Have you found real love yet?
Source: momjunction.com, mindbodygreen.com, myboldlife.com, sitn.hms.harvard.edu, regain.us, cosmopolitan.com, womenshealthmag.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.