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The Science Behind Falling in Love

By Elizabeth Ie



Romantic love has collectively enraptured humanity for years on end. It’s a mutual obsession that has paved its path of mystery.  


Whilst it's safe to say that we have very much evolved from Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet' days (thank goodness), one must look no further than a movie, book, or song to find it. 


But what does science have to say about falling in love?


STAGE 1: INFATUATION



Otherwise known as ‘passionate love’, this is the obsessively smitten phase, lasting anywhere between a few months and several years.


In the wise words of Taylor Swift, “my drug is my baby, I’ll be usin’ for the rest of my life," and you should know that even the Queen of Pop was scientifically correct.

A brain in love bears striking resemblances to those on drugs like cocaine and heroin! 


In fact, a 2005 study of MRI images investigating the brains of those in love illustrated that scans would light up in the VTA region (Ventral Tegmental Area) of the brain, associated with Reward Processing. This is the motivation hub, triggered when we eat sweets and quench our thirst. Think a creamy, delectable bar of Cadbury Chocolate, or the taste of water on a hot Summer’s day. Such VTA activities correlate with taking opiate drugs.


As a result, we release Dopamine - the feel-good hormone - making love feel euphoric and heightening both our physical and emotional senses (excessive sweating, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations - AKA, all those first date jitters). This dopamine high happens to be identical to those produced by cocaine. In addition to this elation, we release the Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) hormone, fueling these unyielding desires to spend time with your bae, which only compounds more and more. One could truly say that love is an addiction.


With the increased activities of the brain’s VTA,  ‘Rose-Tinted Glasses’ will enter the picture, posing more romanticised views of the world, and an inability to find faults in your loved one. 


A person’s prefrontal cortex, for example, significantly decreases in its activity, hence suspending critical thinking and judgement. Let this be a suggestion to keep your wits about you! Additionally, as you experience those first-date jitters, your stress hormone (cortisol) drops your serotonin levels. Serotonin is crucial in controlling our mood, appetite, sleep and judgement, with lower levels being akin to those with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Such occurrences provide those infatuation symptoms, like obsessive thoughts, a general inability to function, losing one’s appetite, and making rash, impulsive decisions. Sounding familiar? 


STAGE 2: ATTACHMENT AKA “COMPASSIONATE LOVE”



As one’s relationship develops, we now cultivate a deeper, more familiar kind of love. Feelings of commitment and ease now arise, with those first-date jitters having run their course! Pair-bonding hormones such as Oxytocin and Vasopressin appear, initiating a calmer companionship. They don’t just apply to romantic relationships, even being activated between friends and family. Interestingly, these hormones start to act as a blockade for cortisol (stress), and trigger that deep-seated comfortability when around your partner.


Perhaps you’ve heard the theory that one will know that they're in love when feeling sleepy around said person. This is simply explained by the comfort and security you experience around your bae.


THE AFTERMATH?!



Of course, I’m no Debbie Downer, but it's crucial to acknowledge that our rose-tinted glasses will inevitably disappear. As with any human relationship, arguments and disagreements will soon arise. Whether one’s relationship works out or not, I think it's safe to say that we all deserve to love and be loved.



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