Research has shown that couples often synchronise their heartbeats and breathing patterns. Scientists have only recently figured out the physiological basis for love and relationship-related behavior. One of these researchers is Donatella Marazziti, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pisa. She has previously studied the brain chemical serotonin and obsessive-compulsive disorder and wondered if the same mechanisms are at work in romantic infatuation.
There are several kinds of love. Humans experience love in many different ways, varying from intense feelings towards parents to an emotional bond with a romantic partner. Even love for a pet can be deep and strong. Humans are highly social animals and are fascinated by the experience of love. For example, parents love their children unconditionally. While the experience of love is based on a variety of different factors, it is universal and cannot be defined by age, gender, and physical appearance.
Some scholars have proposed four categories for love theories. Theories in this category overlap and sometimes include ideas central to other types. However, it is important to note that classification of theories can lead to excessive pigeonholing. For instance, many theories of love are quasi-reductionist, meaning they explain love in terms of a shared set of values, such as affection and evaluation. Although these descriptions may sound like an important distinction, it is not a comprehensive account of love.
Another way to consider love is as a creative act. A creative activity, love is an expression of the self in response to a value in another. Despite the fact that love is a creative process, it is a subjective experience. As such, its nature cannot be justified based on historical facts. Instead, the question of justification is essential to a proper understanding of love. And despite the fact that these accounts are not definitive, they nevertheless help us better understand the motivation for love.