The Science of Love and Valentine's And Surprising Cheating Statistics
We all feel it. We all know it. But what is love really all about - chemically and physically? What we call love comes not from the heart, as is most often depicted, but from the brain. In fact, while you're in love your brain functions in a very similar fashion to people on cocaine. "No, you hang up!" Surprised? You shouldn't be. You see, love is quite literally a drug. When you're in love, your brain orders increased production of Dopamine and Epinephrine, substances that regulate arousal, craving and desire - which is why early stages of romantic relationships are all about obsessing over the other person and having an increased desire to be with your loved one more and more. Your brain also releases Oxytocin, a neuromodulator associated with commitment. Conversely, your Serotonin levels drop dramatically - just like people with OCD. And the result is the same: an obsessive infatuated person. Ah, life's many healthy cycles. Ho...