By Emily Amburn | Staff writer, webmaster
Its that time of year again – Valentines Day. The time of year where overstuffed teddy bears and heart-shaped boxes of mystery chocolate will be exchanged with the ones we love. But, what is love? We have all heard the phrase, “they have some great chemistry.” Some just use the phrase as a cheesy pickup line, but others truly feel that they are connected on a deeper level, a chemical level. Those individuals are right! When someone “falls in love,” it is really just one giant chemical process. Lets take a look at some of the key biochemical players.
The feeling of falling “head over heels” in love is due to phenylethylamine, otherwise known as PEA. This chemical is an amine that naturally occurs in the brain but, is also found in some foods such as chocolate. It is a stimulant and causes the release of norepinephrine and dopamine. PEA is the instigator of the whole chain reaction.
Next, we have dopamine. This chemical is associated with mate selection. In an Emory University study, chemists found that voles (rodent associated with a rat) chose their partner based on a dopamine release. Female voles were then injected with dopamine in the presence of other male voles they could find their mate out of the group of voles later. Dopamine pretty much acts as the bond creator. When it is released between both parties, then that is the first step of two individuals becoming connected on a deeper level
Dopamine then triggers the release of oxytocin. In both genders, oxytocin is released during the act of touching. It builds trust between both people and is often referred to as the “cuddle hormone”.
Now we are on to testosterone. Many perceive this hormone as a male sex hormone, which it is, but many people fail to realize that women produce it as well. Testosterone triggers the feeling of lust for one another. Testosterone is the chemical responsible for triggering actions to happen before logic is allowed to be recognized. It often is a key player in the making of stupid decisions.
And last but definitely not least, endorphins are the result of the chemical reaction. Over time ones brain acquires a tolerance to the love stimulants and endorphins are produced. these typically are not released until 18 months to 4 years into a relationship. Endorphins are associated with the feeling of attachment and comfort. They are often compared to opiates. They are known for calming anxiety, relieving pain and reducing stress.
So, when Valentine’s Day comes around and you are with your special someone, know that there is something chemically changing inside both of you. You are experiencing a chemical reaction that has been passed down through our genes since we first arrived on this planet, which is pretty special.