“There’s good reason to suspect that romantic love is kept alive by something basic to our biological nature.” – Richard Schwartz, Harvard Medical School associate professor of psychiatry

Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that has been explored throughout the ages in literature, philosophy, and psychology. It can be both a source of great joy and profound pain, and it is one of the most fundamental human experiences. At its core, love is the feeling of strong attachment, admiration, and affection for someone or something. It is a powerful emotion that can inspire people to do incredible things, including sacrificing their own needs and desires for the sake of the person they love. Whether it’s the love between two romantic partners, the love of a parent for their child, or the love between close friends, the bond that is formed through love is a vital component of human connection and well-being.

However, love can also be a source of great pain and heartache. When love is not reciprocated or when a relationship comes to an end, it can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, and despair. Many people have experienced the pain of heartbreak and know firsthand how devastating it can be. Despite this, many people still choose to pursue love and the connection it brings because of the rewards it can offer.

Love can also be understood as a psychological and neurological phenomenon. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have studied the brain activity of people in love and have found that it activates the reward center of the brain, triggering the release of dopamine and other feel-good chemicals. This helps explain why love can be so addictive and all-consuming. Also, this causes those in love to experience a similar euphoria associated with use of cocaine and alcohol. It can also lead to a sense of well-being and contentment, as well as lower levels of stress and anxiety. These effects, according to studies, are produced by thew chemical oxytocin.

Despite the ups and downs of love, it remains one of the most cherished and sought-after experiences in life. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, intimate moments shared with a partner, or simply spending time with those we love, the experience of love can bring us closer to ourselves and others. It helps us feel seen, valued, and understood, and provides us with a sense of purpose and belonging. Love is a powerful and complex emotion that has been studied and celebrated for centuries. It can bring immense joy and fulfillment, as well as deep pain and heartache. Despite its complexities, love remains an essential component of human connection and well-being, and it is something that we all seek and cherish in our lives.

“Love is blind.”

According to Richard Schwartz, there is a “neural basis for the ancient wisdom ‘love is blind.’” This basis is attributed to the fact that when we are engaged in romantic love, the “neural machinery” responsible for making critical assessments of other people, including of those whom we are romantically involved with, shuts down. Therefore, in a quite literal sense, love truly is blind.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!