How much has been written about all-consuming and all-embracing love, and scientists have been trying for centuries to unravel the mystery of this most mysterious human feeling. We offer you some interesting facts and scientific theories about love, which in no way detract from its poetry and romance.
1. "Butterflies in the stomach" are in fact
When we fall in love, it seems to us that butterflies are fluttering around, we become elated and ready to dance with happiness. In fact, the hormone adrenaline is to blame, which is poured through the body in response to the so-called "fight or flight" reaction.
2. It takes four minutes to fall in love
If we want to make a good impression on someone, we only have 4 minutes left to do it. It is believed that the body language, sound of the voice and the pace of speech make a much greater impression on the potential partner than the meaning of what is said.
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3. When two lovers look into each other's eyes, their heartbeats are synchronized
Research shows that in people in love, heartbeats become synchronized within 3 minutes after staring into each other's eyes.
4. Love acts on a person like cocaine
Love affects the brain in the same way as a dose of cocaine, causing a similar feeling of euphoria. Scientists have proven that when a person is in love, his body produces several chemicals that enhance the activity of 12 brain regions, at the same time making us feel euphoric.
5. Hugs act on the body as a natural pain reliever
The so-called love hormone oxytocin, which is produced by the brain, female ovaries and male testicles during cuddling, is involved in generating strong attachments. It has been proven that a dose of oxytocin weakens and sometimes even relieves headaches. Definitely a decent alternative to pain relievers.
6. Even looking at a photo of a loved one is enough to relieve pain
It has long been known that the presence of a loved one helps to improve the patient's well-being. And sometimes just one glance at a photograph of a loved one is enough to dull the pain. An experiment conducted among those who experienced physical pain showed that those patients who looked at photographs of loved ones and loved ones, and also participated in word games, felt much easier than those who were just playing the game.
7. People with the same degree of attractiveness are more likely to maintain their relationship for many years
The so-called “peer” phenomenon means that a man and a woman tend to choose as their partners the one who is “equal” to them, i.e. similar in appearance. Even if one of the partners is less attractive, he compensates for this with another socially desirable quality.
8. Couples who are too similar to each other are less likely to have long, strong relationships
As the famous saying goes: opposites attract. Scientists have proven that this is partly true. Too similar or too different partners, as a rule, part. Of course, in some ways loving people should be similar, but at the same time, there are things that we should learn from each other.
9. "Broken heart" is not just a metaphor
There is evidence that stressful events such as separation, divorce, loss of a loved one, betrayal, or even being at a distance from a loved one can cause pain in the heart. This condition is called Broken Heart Syndrome. Deep emotional experiences trigger certain brain chemicals that significantly weaken the heart, resulting in severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Women are more likely to suffer from this disease, and doctors often confuse it with a heart attack.
10. Romantic love eventually ends. But behind her comes perfect love
It is believed that love weakens over the years. Scientists have calculated that romantic love, which is inextricably linked to feelings of euphoria, addiction and butterflies in the stomach, lasts only a year. After a year of relationship, the so-called stage of "perfect love" begins. Such a transition, according to scientists, is associated with an increase in the level of protein neurotrophins in newly formed pairs.
11. Symptoms of falling in love are similar to those of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Research shows that people in the inception phase of relationships have lower levels of serotonin, which is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being, and higher levels of cortisol, which is associated with stress. A similar chemical composition of hormones is observed in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. This explains the behavior characteristic of lovers and the presence of obsessive thoughts about the object of love. This theory also works the other way around - people with lower serotonin levels fall in love and have sex faster than others.
12. Thoughts about love and sex influence creativity and concrete thinking
Psychologists have found that any reminder of the object of adoration affects abstract and creative thinking, because it has to do with the distracted aspects of love such as long-term relationships, strong affection, commitment, and intimacy. And the reminder about sex triggers the work of specific thinking, forcing a person to focus on momentary details rather than long-term plans and tasks.
13. Devotion + passion + intimacy = perfect love
According to the three-component theory of love by psychologist Robert Sternberg, there is a specific formula for different types of love. Sternberg names several types of love, the formulas of which consist of alternating 3 basic components: romantic love = passion + intimacy, friendly love = intimacy + devotion, invented love = passion + devotion. Of course, the most powerful of all is perfect love, which consists of 3 components at once.
14. Attractive features are more important for long-term relationships than a well-formed body
It has been proven that when a person is looking for an easy relationship and wants to have an easy affair, he first of all pays attention to the body of a potential partner. Conversely, for those looking for a serious relationship, the attractiveness of facial features plays an important role.
15. Holding hands with loved ones relieves stress
Couples who are bound by strong and harmonious relationships can be more successful in calming each other in stressful situations and even alleviating physical distress by simply holding hands.
16. Expressing gratitude to our loved ones makes us happier
Psychologists have proven that when we say nice things to people who really care about us, when we sincerely thank them for something, we become much happier ourselves.
17. When we like someone, our pupils dilate, which makes us more attractive
Back in the 1870s, Darwin suggested that pupils can dilate when a person sees an object of interest or shows increased attention to someone or something. And this is actually true - even when we watch a video or a photo with a loved one, our pupils become wider, and we ourselves become more attractive.
18. Looking into the eyes of a stranger, you can fall in love
They say that the eyes are the window to the soul. And it is not surprising that a simple look at them is enough to fall in love once and for all, even with someone about whom we know nothing. Scientists have proven that the human body, which looks at the object of sympathy, produces a chemical called phenylethylamine, which is responsible for "mad love". In action, it is similar to cocaine, so it makes you feel aroused, euphoric and sexual desire.
19. Monogamous relationships exist not only in humans, but also in animals
Man is not the only one in the animal kingdom who can be faithful. Wolves, swans, gibbons, black vultures, albatrosses, termites and many other animals mate for life.
20. Love is the only thing that matters
A study by a group of Harvard scientists for 76 years has proven that love is really all that matters in life. The experience of the participants in the experiment showed that happiness and a sense of satisfaction revolve around one feeling - love or the search for this very love.
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