For centuries, the question of what is love has been pondered by philosophers, poets, and songwriters. While the answer to this question may vary, there is a common understanding that it includes feelings of attraction and affection that can result in long-term commitment. In the more recent past, neuroscience and psychology have contributed to our understanding of the nature of this emotion.
In fact, when scientists look at the brain of a person in love, they see that it is more than just one emotional state. In addition to lust and attraction, love encompasses attachment, affection, and commitment—all of which are heavily influenced by the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that secretes chemicals to help us form trusting relationships and build emotional bonds.
During the early stages of love, people can experience a high level of dopamine activity in their brains and spinal cord. This boost of the pleasure chemical can make us feel euphoric and cause us to want to be with our partner or friend all the time. It can also lead to mood swings, which can sometimes resemble those of substance abusers.
These intense feelings can be a good thing when they are focused on a loved one and are not based on the pursuit of money, status, or power. However, when they are focused on a person who is not in close proximity or does not offer the opportunity for affection or attachment, they can become obsessive and addictive.
While these feelings are not the full meaning of love, they can be a part of it if a person is willing to compromise and put their own needs aside for the sake of their relationship. When a person does this, they are showing the type of self-sacrificing love that is often seen in parents who sacrifice their own health for their children.
It is important for individuals to choose the right partner for their relationship. It is best to choose a person who shares lifelong goals and values like family, career, and leisure activities. This will ensure that the individual can offer companionship and support in each stage of life.
In addition to assessing a potential partner’s compatibility, it is also necessary for individuals to know what type of love they are looking for. The three main styles of love are mania, pragma, and agape. Mania love is the intense desire for a partner, which can be followed by worry about committing to the relationship. Pragmatic love is a balanced approach to choosing a partner that will be a positive influence in your life, and agape is the self-sacrificing love of giving.
Romantic love is a special kind of love that involves a person’s need to be with the other and their desire for approval and physical contact. Research shows that primitive neural systems activated by romantic love are the same as those involved in the craving for food or water. This suggests that love is an evolutionary survival instinct that makes it possible for humans to develop a sense of empathy and self-sacrifice, which can help them thrive as a species.