Parts of the brain that are love-bitten include the one responsible for gut feelings, and the ones which generate the euphoria induced by drugs such as cocaine. So the brains of people deeply in love do not look like those of people experiencing strong emotions, but instead like those of people snorting coke. Love, in other words, uses the neural mechanisms that are activated during the process of addiction. “We are literally addicted to love,” Dr Young observes.

It’s funny how love is viewed scientifically. It’s like love is now studied under a microscope. The article I came across talked about love likened to voles, breaking down emotions like lust, attraction and other romantic feelings into means explained by science. It’s quite informative, actually. None of the “blue skies and lollipops” or “happily ever after” romantic notions. It’s cold, hard facts that’s based on principles of different studies combined.

It takes away the “magic” or the concept of “you’ll know if he or she is the one”. Quite refreshing, if you’re the type who gag on romantic, tacky and mushy sentiments about love.

This is not the first time people tried a definition of love or make sense of these human emotion. I suggest a read and tell me what you think of it. Let’s talk!

Read the article

Post from: Blisstree

Love is a Chemical Addiction

I would understand that there are people out there who take these words seriously and will refuse to utter them to a person least deserving. I commend you. I’m a firm believer of not taking these words lightly. It’s been used loosely that for some it has lost its meaning. Quite sad, really.

But, going back to the question I raised, I wonder if there is any sort of indication on when you can actually say the words (given that you already feel the emotion, ok?). Is it reserved for people in relationships? Will you be able to tell when that would be? I reckon for women it’d be hard to say these words before their partners — guys do have the tendency to bolt if the women says the “L” word.

So, any ideas people? I’d really like to know.

Post from: Blisstree

When Do You Say “I Love You”?

I wonder how many couples put a considerable amount of effort in making sure that there is “touching” in his or her relationship or how many take this act for granted.

Growing up in a not-so-affectionate family, I’m not accustomed to any sort of, er, physical showing of affection. I had lived almost three decades of my life aversive to touch, particularly from men.

No cause for worry. It’s nothing drastic. I was just built that way. My close friends know that there’s this invisible sign I’m always wearing that says “Do Not Touch”.

I guess I never realised that I had this somewhat unquenchable thirst for that human touch, which I found wonderfully soothing and amazingly satisfying until I truly felt the emotion behind such an act. The simple hand-holding, softly caressing of the cheek, playing with the hair, putting an arm around my shoulders or waist, and my favourite, that long tender hug.

It feels wonderful. It amazes me how much I feel lighter afterward. It, sometimes, beats hearing a thousand words of endearments [though, I admit I love them, too!].

I’ve heard that if you rear your child in a touch-filled environment, he or she will grow up psychologically and emotionally healthy. Is it true? I reckon I need to do more reading on it. For now, it’ll stay as a speculative statement. However, I can’t help but think that there’s magic in the human touch.

Don’t you agree?

Post from: Blisstree

The Magic of Touch in Relationships