The Science of Love: The Biological Basis Of Romance

Often portrayed as a multilayered and deeply felt experience, love has been the target of many biologists who are trying to determine its origins. Lately, especially with the recent development of brain imaging technologies, physiology has revealed the complex mechanisms that underpin the state of being in love.

Romantic love, as always, unlocks an intricate web of brain systems that govern desire, attachment and pleasure. An important ingredient in the love concoction is a chemical called dopamine, which is popularly known as the ‘happy’ chemical. When we feel a great deal of attraction or excitement towards a person, whose brain does not register the surge of dopamine in the self saying that it is happy or ecstatic.

Finally, a chemical involved in affection is called oxytocin, also referred to as the love or cuddling hormone. Releases of oxytocin tend to occur about this time due to cues related to physical engagement such as hugging, kissing, or having sex and they enhance the processes of attaching and socializing. It helps draw in members of the dyad offering some sense of safety in that the member being drawn in is encouraged, but not forced.

Also, there are changes in the levels of serotonin when we are in love. Serotonin governs mood and feelings and so its decrease or increase explains the peaks and low periods that most people encounter during courtship periods.

Plus, another stress-related hormone called cortisol is also involved in interpersonal relations. Low to moderate levels of the hormone can raise levels of attraction because they help focus on a partner better without stress, but high doses worn over a long period can be harmful due to stressing, worrying, or being aggressive in the relationship.

Also, during the couple's intimacy moments or touch, another hormone that performs as a natural pain reliever in the body known as an endorphin, is usually released. They both relieve pain and cause enjoyment and euphoria.

Chemical reactions executed by our brains in romance are the reasons as to why we experience specific feelings in the process of being in love. It is not enough to study the neurochemical components of love, including different hormones like oxytocin and neurotransmitters like dopamine. Scientists want to know more about these experiences and hope to help people who find it hard to form or keep a healthy close relationship with someone.

Research has started to explore the chemistry factors that connect humans to each other in love and affection– which proves beyond doubt the extent in which biology is enmeshed with emotions. This is especially when one looks at how we make choices in partners – to be connected in such a deep way, carrying those who give encouragement selflessly and willingly through all the course of life’s experiences and reminiscences that impact the heart and mind way more than dull substances that act as catalysts in the heart. Bringing back the love, these are flames that burn the hearts every other time, forever in unity until the people give in and call for it’s benediction, which is the soft craving for each other’s friendship, a cold and warm pushing into each other, until the very end. This includes a blissful incendiary passion, one that centuries ago, has now joined two formidable souls – soulmates joined eternally ever after.