Friday Five: Strengthen Your Romantic Bond
Lust. Attraction. Attachment.
It’s into these three fundamental categories that Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute Dr. Helen Fisher proposes dividing romantic love.
But why?
Each category is characterized by a specific set of hormones originating in the human brain. From the initial impulses to the most enduring connections, romantic love manifests through a complex interplay of brain chemicals.
This week we explore 5 ways the state of our brain’s chemicals determine our relationship with love.
1. Did You Know That…
The brain in love resembles the brain on drugs? When experiencing romantic love, the brain releases a potent cocktail of chemicals, including dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin.
Interestingly, brain scans of individuals in love show similarities to those addicted to substances, highlighting the addictive nature of romantic emotions. So, next time you're head over heels, remember, love is not just a feeling—it's a neurochemical adventure in your brain!
2. Lust: The Initial Spark of Desire
In the initial phase, lust, love is awakened by a spark of desire, driven by the interaction between the primary sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen. These biochemicals trigger craving and pleasure-seeking, while dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, amplifies the experience of desire.
How to activate the hormones and chemicals associated with lust:
3. Attraction: Beyond the Superficial
Attraction plunges us into an emotional and chemical whirlwind, where dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin play crucial roles. These neurotransmitters not only intensify the physical connection, but also facilitate the emotional and mental connection between two individuals.
Neurotransmitters contribute to the formation of deeper bonds, and how oxytocin, the "love hormone," is not only linked to attachment but also to romantic attraction.
4. Attachment: Building Lasting Relationships
The attachment phase culminates in creating lasting bonds, where oxytocin and vasopressin take center stage. These hormones work together to foster trust, loyalty and intimacy, building the foundation for long-term romantic relationships.
The attachment phase goes beyond the ephemeral, exploring the importance of emotional and physical intimacy in building meaningful connections.
5. Love Languages and Our Nervous System
In relationships, communication is a component that intertwines emotional and rational aspects. In this context, "love languages" manifest not only through verbal expressions or affectionate gestures but are also rooted in the nervous system.
This interconnection offers perspectives to comprehend and enhance relationships by decoding how our neurobiologies weave and connect emotions, understanding, and building lasting emotional bonds.
Click to learn how to activate these chemicals
