Valentine’s Day Science

When most people think of February, they think of Valentine’s Day; and with it just around the corner, many of us ask ourselves: how does love work? Love is more complex than you think. Did you know that body chemicals are released when you are in the presence of someone who you love/care about? If you didn’t, here’s why.

Firstly, chemicals are released in the body to give us emotions from the things we experience. Some chemicals involved in the feeling of love include serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, testosterone, etc. However, the three main chemicals responsible for love are serotonin, dopamine and adrenaline. When serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is released in the body, it activates the neurons that make someone feel happy. So, when you’re enjoying Valentine’s Day activities, serotonin is released in the body, thus making you feel joyful. Another chemical, dopamine, is similar to serotonin; however, dopamine is activated in the reward center of the brain. This means that when you’re involved in an activity that makes you happy, especially with that special someone, you release dopamine. Dopamine is known to also play a role in attraction to someone else that you’re happy with.

Last but not least, adrenaline is mainly released when the body undergoes the “flight or fight response.” This response causes glucose to be released into the bloodstream, thus getting your heart pumping. Adrenaline is recognized to give you sweaty palms, butterflies, or a racing heart when in the presence of that special someone or excitement in an anticipated event. Now, with this knowledge, you have insight on what role chemicals play in love.

NOTE: Love is the feeling of attraction towards someone that you care about; it isn’t just reserved for a significant other. It can be family, friends, or even pets. Considering this, have a wonderful Valentine’s Day knowing some of the science involved in love.

Works Cited

Image: http://www.eoht.info/page/Love+the+chemical+reaction

Woodrutm, T. (n.d.). 7 Chemicals You Ought to Love. American Chemical Society. Retrieved from https://inchemistry.acs.org/content/inchemistry/en/atomic-news/valentines-chemistry.html

Khouzina, A (n.d.). Science of Love, The Reflector. Retrieved from http://www.thereflector.ca/2013/02/15/science-of-love/

#love #chemistry #dopamine #oxytocin #care #family #valentine #january