There’s a reason love features prominently in so many songs, novels, films and paintings throughout history. It’s a pretty great feeling – and one that most of us want to hold onto for the rest of our lives. But a love like that takes some work to sustain, and it’s not always all gushy-mushy. Even in the best of times, there are bound to be moments of annoyance or insecurity. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, love can offer up some of the most rewarding rewards imaginable.
What is love, though? This is a topic that has intrigued scientists, philosophers and poets for centuries. But there’s no definitive answer to this question, as different people and cultures have experienced love differently. And there are many varying definitions of love, from romance and closeness to friendship and family.
The most common way to describe love is an intense feeling of affection, attachment and a desire for closeness. This is often accompanied by a sense of security and trust, a feeling of warmth and protection, and an attitude of loyalty and commitment. People who say they love someone are often described as selfless and caring, and they may sacrifice their own needs in order to meet the needs of those they love. They also feel a strong sense of empathy for others, and a desire to make them happy.
In some cases, love can even lead to feelings of euphoria, excitement and infatuation. These are usually a result of the release of a jumble of chemicals in the brain, including dopamine (pleasure), adrenaline and norepinephrine (fight or flight). This chemical cocktail is why your cheeks might turn flushed and your palms might start to sweat when you’re attracted to someone. And it’s why you might experience a rollercoaster of emotions – from euphoria and a heightened awareness of your surroundings to a loss of appetite, sleeplessness, trembling, racing heart and accelerated breathing.
If this is what you’re experiencing, then you’re likely in love. But to know for sure, you’ll have to take a closer look at your relationship and decide if you can distinguish true love from infatuation. One way to do this is by looking at the ways your partner makes you happy, or how much they care for and support you. It’s also worth considering whether your love for them grows over time, and if they make you feel safe and secure. Ultimately, the most important factor is that you both enjoy spending time together.