Love is a complex feeling that makes us feel happy, excited, and sad at the same time. It has been a subject of art for centuries, and it is the basis for many popular songs, movies, and books. People often have different ideas about what love is, but it is important to understand the biological, psychological, and cultural aspects of this emotion.
The word “love” is often associated with romantic relationships, but it can also describe feelings for friends and family members. The complexity of love can make it difficult to define, but psychologists have a number of theories about how people experience it. Some researchers believe that love is an emotional bond between two people, while others think it’s an evolutionary trait that keeps parents bonded to their children so they can care for them until they are ready to be independent.
Regardless of the theory, most psychologists agree that there are different types of love. For example, erotic love, which is focused on physical attraction and engaging in sex, is usually short-lived. Companionate love, which is more long-lasting and mutually beneficial, is seen as the more healthy form of love. Some people have difficulty identifying or experiencing companionate love, and some may even prefer to fall out of love rather than try to work on their relationship.
In addition to the different types of love, researchers have found that there are different ways that people express their feelings for each other. Some people like to hear words of affirmation, while others prefer acts of service. For example, if someone loves you, they might bring you soup when you are sick or do chores around the house to show their affection.
Research suggests that there are three stages to falling in love: attraction, attachment, and acquiescence. During the stage of attraction, there is a jumble of chemicals in the brain that cause your cheeks to flush, your palms to sweat, and your heart to race. This is why it’s so hard to resist the person who is making your heart race.
Then comes the attachment phase, when you start to bond with that person and make plans together. During this stage, your body releases oxytocin, the hormone of love. This is why it feels so good to cuddle and kiss someone you love. Finally, there is acquiescence, when you accept that they are your forever.
This article was originally published on The Conversation AU and is reproduced here under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article here. Deakin University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.