Love is a complicated emotion that can be hard to pin down. It can be romantic, platonic, familial, or a mix of these and many other types of relationships. It can also be a feeling that can make people feel happy, sad, or frustrated. But even though it can be hard to define, everyone knows that love is a special kind of feeling.
Unlike liking someone, loving them means that you care about their well-being and that these feelings are unconditional. In addition to a giddy, almost-mystical feeling that is difficult to describe, other signs of loving someone include wanting to spend time with them and taking an interest in their interests. People in love are also more willing to try new things or activities, especially if they know that their partner enjoys them. This openness to new experiences is good for your mental health, but it’s important not to let yourself be pushed into doing something you don’t really want to do.
Another thing that happens when you fall in love is that your brain’s reward centers are activated when you think about or see the person you love. These are the same areas that are activated when you eat candy or see a movie that you enjoy. This is what gives you that flip-flopping feeling in your stomach. It can also cause you to talk a lot about the person and get excited just thinking about them.
This is why you may find yourself talking to them all the time, texting them all day long, or even calling them all the time. It’s not a bad thing to do, but it’s important to take some time away from them so that you can be yourself again.
Besides that, loved ones also encourage us to be better versions of ourselves. For example, they might encourage us to seek therapy for a mental health issue or try healthier behaviors. In addition, they can give us a sense of security and support during tough times, which is crucial for our happiness. Moreover, studies have shown that without loving relationships, humans fail to thrive, even if their basic needs are met.
A 2021 study found that rats who were isolated from their partners experienced lower cognitive function, while those who had pair bonds performed better. Moreover, other research has shown that being in a relationship with a partner can boost your immune system and improve the quality of your sleep.
In general, scientists agree that there’s no one answer to the question of what love is. However, some definitions of love can be helpful in understanding the importance and complexity of this emotion. For example, philosophers have traditionally distinguished three notions that can properly be called “love”: eros, agape, and philia. In this article, we’ll explore these three theories of love and how they relate to each other. We’ll also discuss how these theories can inform our everyday lives.