We all know the typical symptoms: nervousness, tachycardia, feeling of «butterflies»…and then we think we found our sole mate. But don’t get too excited. Researchers have found these feelings have a physiological explanation and the effect only lasts 18 to 30 months.
Researchers say the process of “Falling in Love” is a series of complex chemical changes that occur in our bodies when we meet and interact with a person that we find special.
According to several studies, when we find that person that we find attractive, the brain initiates a series of chemical processes that produce the state of love.
Among these, is production of phenyl ethylamine, a substance that triggers the production of dopamine and nor epinephrine, which generates nervousness, increases blood pressure, alters time perception, causes euphoria, anxiety and lack of appetite. After that, another substance oxytocin, is produced, which causes the sexual desire. These feelings of joy and euphoria influence us to be as close as possible to this «special person» so that our brain continues to produce these substances that generate pleasure. Similar to what happens with addictions.
There are several theories about why we choose one person over another. According to some studies this is explained by pheromones. These are hormones are produced by each individual and when perceived through the so-called vomeronasal organ, located in the nose, attract other people.
Other explanations of why we «fall in love», have a cultural basis. Specialists have found that we identify with people with character features similar to that of our opposite sex parent and that we identify as having similar traits and values to ours.
Another viewpoint is that which originates in the instinct power of humans. In this scenario, we chose who we instinctively perceive has the best genes to perpetuate the species.
According to some researchers the period of infatuation can last from 18 to 30 months, during which our body gets used to the production of hormones and stops generating the same effect.
