Recent studies in
neuroscience have indicated that as people fall in love, the brain consistently releases a certain set of chemicals, including
pheromones,
dopamine,
norepinephrine, and
serotonin, which act in a manner similar to
amphetamines, stimulating the brain’s
pleasure center and leading to side effects such as increased
heart rate,
loss of appetite and sleep,and an intense feeling of excitement. Research has indicated that this stage generally lasts from one and a half to three years.
Attachment is generally based on commitments such as
marriage and
children, or on mutual friendship based on things like shared interests. It has been linked to higher levels of the chemicals
oxytocin and
vasopressin to a greater degree than short-term relationships have.
Enzo Emanuele and coworkers reported the protein molecule known as the
nerve growth factor (NGF) has high levels when people first fall in love, but these return to previous levels after one year.
Hope everyone has planned/is planning their good times with ‘all’ their loved ones. Not only for the coming valentine’s day celebrations but for the whole of the year (just a year, not life: that’s too much of a planning already ! )
Have a great time !!
