LOVE AND CHEMISTRY
Theories abound regarding the definition of love, as well as the underlying nature of its causality. My personal belief is that attraction (in its simplest form, referred to oftimes as "infatuation", or just "chemistry") is, in actuality, based upon a multisensorial and biochemical/energetic phenomenon which has never been properly studied or explained.[ As an amateur scientist, I conducted some preliminary experiments, but no controls were instituted, and the results were inconclusive.] Some of it appears to be instinctual: the way women statistically tend to prefer men with a greater shoulder-to-hip ratio, or the way men tend to prefer women with slightly broader hips, and fuller bosoms...as if we were selecting members of the opposite sex through some primitive measurement of protective strength or reproductive viability.
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Some of it appears to be exohormonal, having to do with pheromones, bodily fragrances and other secreted and projected chemical attractants. Some of it appears to be interpersonal, like the acceptance and acknowledgement in a smile or a welcoming nod from someone of the opposite sex. Some of it appears to be kinesthetic, having to do with body positioning, gesturing, movement and subtle body language signals. In all likelihood, it is a combination of all of these elements, varying in proportion and priority from person to person. But after this attraction has served its caltalytic role as the launchpad for love (however we try to define it), other things happen which are far more complex, and they more likely than not profoundly affect our neurochemistry...our neurotransmitters, hormones and other internal systems of biochemical reactivity "kick in". These internal changes, rather than the back and forth of biochemistry and other signals and subconscious assessments discussed earlier, are the "cement" of deeper love.
Three internally generated chemicals may play a powerful role in "anchoring" love. they include dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. In fact, certain of the internal neurochemical patterning associated with the state of being romanically "in love", resembles that of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses! Bryan Ferry said that "Love Is The Drug"...some of what follows would have us believe that love is more of a disease. If love is a disease, than what is the cure....or is it incurable? One of the symptoms of insanity is irrationality....one of the signs of love is irrationality, as well. Have you ever been madly in love with someone? Crazy about someone? It gives one pause for thought. Click on the following links to learn more:
www.biopsychiatry.com/lovedopa.htm
www.biopsychiatry.com/lovesero.htm
Dopamine stimulates the libido, but it also triggers violence; serotonin triggers relaxation, but it also may well diminish libido; oxytocin stimulates bonding and trust.
Gary Hull, in his article WHAT IS TRUE LOVE, puts forth a fascinatingly pragmatic and decidedly unromantic (at least in the popularized sense) proposition as to its underlying nature, and why we become willing participants. He also makes a wonderful statement about the virtue of selfishness. Read it at www.capmag.com/article.asp?
Faithfully,
Douglas Castle
p.s. Why are you bothered by the dot between the first two paragraphs?
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