Love is a deep and powerful emotion that enriches our lives and provides us with strength during tough times. It has many forms, from the bond with family to the camaraderie of friends to the butterflies that come with romantic feelings.
While some researchers believe that love is a primary emotion, others say it’s more of a complex psychological phenomenon. It’s hard to define because it’s an emotion that combines many different feelings and can vary in intensity over time. It can also be difficult to distinguish between “liking” someone and being in love with them.
The idea of love has influenced many artists throughout history, and it’s the subject of countless movies, novels, songs and poems. There’s even a scientific theory of love based on biology that suggests humans share two major drives, including sexual attraction and attachment to others.
Biologically, the concept of love has roots in the hormones oxytocin and neurotrophins, which help people feel bonded to others and act as an incentive to procreate. In addition, there is evidence that humans are more likely to feel loving toward people with similar interests, such as a common culture or hobbies.
In modern society, people often use the term love to describe an intense emotional state. It can be anything from the mushy feeling of falling in love to the dedication of a parent or friend to a loved one with mental illness. However, it can be confusing for a young person to understand what “love” really means, so we’ve put together this guide to help them navigate the complexity of the concept.