Scientists have extensively researched what it means to ‘fall in love,’ and according to them, our brain on love is quite different from our regular brain. So, instead of seeking advice from your best friend, or mother, perhaps it’s time to look at it from a scientific viewpoint, you know, for the sake of accuracy.
You believe your love is unique and special.
In your eyes, there is no one like them, and your feelings are only for them. According to Helen Fisher, an anthropologist at Rutger’s University, this is due to dopamine increases that take place when you are in love.
You are emotionally unstable.
Due to the myriad of emotions associated with love, you may find yourself cycling through a variety of different emotions, from being ecstatic, to utter anxiety, and then onto despair, with even the slightest sign that things could be going awry.
You stop trying to impress others.
MSN reports that FMRIs shows how people’s brains change when they see a picture of the person they love. In fact, the Journal of Comparative Neurology found tat the centers associated with rewards and motivation actually light up. Because of this, they concluded that when someone is in love, they are programmed to focus solely on that person.
You don’t fear investing time into this person and your relationship.
Purdue University discovered that relationships have an ‘investment model,’ meaning that if people are satisfied in their love lives, they are more likely to commit to one person and stay loyal.
You feel less physical pain.
Scientists believe that love can actually work as a pain receiver in some cases, due to studies that use MRIs to study the brains of college students that were currently in a relationship. When mild pain was applied, the students that were looking at the person they love felt less pain.
You are stressed to the max.
When you are in love, scientists have found that you have higher levels of stress hormones, because you are always worrying about and waiting for your partner to show you they are still on the same level. I can definitely see this, and honestly, to me, it’s worth it.
They ease your worry.
According to various studies, we release Oxytocin when we are in love. Because of this, we begin to feel content, and a sense of peace and calm. Strangely enough, love apparently is the one emotion that can stress us out and calm us down all in the same day!