Love is one of the most complex emotions in existence. It involves a blend of physical sensations, cognitive processes, and behavioral expressions, making it difficult to consistently define. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t try!
Throughout history, humans have tried to capture love in poetry, plays, and other art forms. But, it wasn’t until recently that psychologists began to understand what was actually happening when people felt love for one another.
It was only about 75 years ago that researchers began to study and talk about the idea of love as a feeling (Bowlby, 1978). Then, around 20 years later, it was discovered that being in love causes the brain to release serotonin which is thought to help people feel good when they think of their partner (Schachter & Singer, 1962).
In addition to this chemical reaction, many factors have been identified as contributing to whether or not a person will fall in love. For example, a potential union that satisfies general social norms and is well-accepted by one’s friends and family can contribute to feelings of love.
Also, arousal and the sense of being in an unfamiliar or exciting environment can trigger feelings of passion. Lastly, sharing a common passion or interest with someone can increase the likelihood of falling in love with that person.
Lastly, it is important to remember that love can change and grow or diminish over time due to various reasons such as life changes, misunderstandings, or personal growth. However, with effort and open communication, love can withstand the test of time.