Love is a complex emotion that can have many different meanings. It can mean anything from a strong sense of connection and trust to self-sacrificing devotion. Love can also refer to a particular relationship or feeling towards an object, animal, or idea. It is an extremely diverse concept, and as such, it has become difficult to define.
When we think of love, we often picture someone who is the perfect match for us, who we believe is our soul mate. The idea of this person takes up major real estate in our thoughts and dreams, and we may go out of our way to spend time with them. It’s no wonder, then, that this state of being is incredibly romanticized by movies and books.
Scientists have found that the feelings of lust, attraction, and attachment are the result of chemical reactions in our brain. These chemicals, like dopamine and adrenaline, make our cheeks flush and our hearts race around when we’re in the presence of someone that we find appealing. When we’re in a state of love, the chemicals are replaced by oxytocin, which makes us feel calm and connected to that person.
However, some people don’t fit the mold of one of these “primary” love styles. Instead, they may be a mix of these and other forms of love, which psychologist John Lee referred to using ancient Greek words. These include eros, or erotic love; ludus, or playful love; and storge, or familial love.