When it comes to love, the word inspires countless songs and sonnets. It makes our hearts pound, our palms sweat and our minds race. And it can change our lives in ways that we never imagined.
What is it about this emotion that makes it so powerful? Biologically, scientists believe that the love-making hormones dopamine and adrenaline play an important role. But that’s just the beginning of the story. Love can also be influenced by a variety of neurotransmitters, hormones and the hypothalamus, along with social and cultural influences.
It’s no surprise that such a complex topic has inspired countless poems and novels. But how do you write about love without sounding too sappy or cliché? If you’re stuck for ideas, try looking at your relationship from a more objective angle. Think about the little things that drive you crazy about your new love (like their propensity for checking Instagram at lunchtime) or how your first love shaped you as a person. It’s these more mundane aspects of your relationship that can add a touch of humanity to your essay.
The term “love” can be used to describe many different kinds of relationships, from romantic love to friendships and family ties. It can even be applied to the love that a person feels for their pets. These types of relationships may be considered non-romantic, but they still shape our worldviews and influence the way we treat others. They can also teach us about what it means to be loved, and how to love someone else.
In the romantic sense, love is a feeling of attachment and passion. It’s based on an emotional connection with another person, along with a desire to care for and protect that person. Unlike lust, which is often mistaken for love, true love is selfless and involves sacrifice. It’s the kind of love that would make you take a bullet for the other person, or willingly give up your life for them.
There are many ways to define love, and it can be difficult to distinguish between lust, attraction and real, lasting love. But for most people, love is more than just a feeling, it’s a commitment to someone else that can last a lifetime. This type of love is fueled by a combination of emotions, brain chemicals and hormones, but it’s also rooted in a deep commitment to the other person and a belief that they are worth making sacrifices for. This kind of love can make a world of difference in our lives, and it can be difficult to forget once we’ve found it. This article was produced with support from Deakin University as part of The Conversation AU.