Happy Valentine’s Day

We call it love. But the most exhilarating of all human emotions is probably nature’s beautiful way of keeping the human species alive and reproducing. That’s right, it can all be explained by science!

Psychologists have shown it takes between 90 seconds and 4 minutes to decide if you like someone. And research has shown this has little to do with what is said, rather:

• 55% is through body language
• 38% is the tone and speed of their voice
• Only 7% is through what they say

Next comes love and the 3 stages of love are lust, attraction and attachment.

Stage 1: Lust

This is the first stage of love and is driven by the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen – in both men and women.

Stage 2: Attraction

This is the amazing time when you are truly love-struck and can think of little else. Scientists think that three main neurotransmitters are involved in this stage; adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin. For example, adrenaline has the charming effect that when you unexpectedly bump into your new love, you start to sweat, your heart races and your mouth goes dry.

Stage 3: Attachment

Attachment is the bond that keeps couples together long enough for them to have and raise children. Scientists think there might be two major hormones involved in this feeling of attachment; oxytocin and vasopressin.

So there you go, it’s all about hormones and neurotransmitters.

But finally, if you are wondering how to fall in love, it’s simple just:

• Find a complete stranger.
• Reveal to each other intimate details about your lives for half an hour.
• Then, stare deeply into each other’s eyes without talking for four minutes.

A psychologist asked some subjects to carry out the above 3 steps and found that many of his couples felt deeply attracted after the 34 minute experiment. Two of his subjects later got married! Read lots more here or here.

Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tags: Biology, Psychology, Science