Love is a complex and subjective emotion. Some scientists believe it’s a biological drive similar to hunger or thirst, while others see it as more of a social and cultural construct. In either case, many people can agree that when you love someone, it’s something you can’t ignore.
Whether you’re looking for a lifelong partner or the happiness that comes from being in a platonic relationship, the best way to find it is by practicing love every day. This means focusing on the needs of your loved ones, respecting their boundaries, and working on communication, trust, intimacy, and emotional security. It’s also a choice to see the good in your loved one – not only their quirks and quarks, but their strengths and talents as well.
When you’re in love, it feels like everything is going right for you and your partner. You can’t imagine a life without them and think about them all the time. But this kind of love can be unhealthy if you aren’t mindful about your own needs and the needs of your partner. It can lead to unhealthy expectations, jealousy, or even resentment.
In most cultures and societies, love was never the primary motivation for marriage. Instead, it was a transactional arrangement that involved acquiring power and wealth or access to certain resources. In some cases, it was a way to keep the peace and prevent a war between families or communities.
Modern research shows that loving people is good for your health and can make you feel happier, even if you’re not in a romantic relationship. It also helps you live longer, as it boosts your immune system and protects against age-related mental decline.
Love has been around for a long time and has been a topic of discussion in poetry, novels, and plays. It’s also been a popular subject for scientists, sociologists, and other disciplines to study. Scientists, for example, have identified the chemicals in the brain that cause us to fall in and out of love. The first stage is attraction, when we feel a rush of euphoria and a jumble of hormones, including dopamine (pleasure), adrenaline (fight or flight), and norepinephrine (alertness). The second phase, attachment, involves feelings of closeness and affection. During this phase, the hormones norepinephrine and dopamine are replaced by oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone.”
Some scientists believe that love isn’t just an emotion, but is actually a behavior. Others, however, disagree. They point to the fact that loving behavior is accompanied by positive emotions, such as happiness, gratitude, and contentment. Those who are happy with their lives know that they don’t have to wait for the next great thing to come along. They appreciate what they have now, even if it’s not perfect. The 143 pounds of Mr. Rogers exemplify this type of mindset.