People crave positive emotions called love and happiness, but both things are defined differently for each individual. Love is just a bond people form throughout their life, whether it is to find a compatible ‘mate’ or do what our predetermined biological fates programmed us to do, to procreate and keep extending life as a species.
When defining emotions such as love, people may think of jittery emotions and smiles. They think about making the other person happy by almost every means necessary, from dates to diamonds since “every kiss begins with k.” But not all kisses even start with k. In fact every kiss begins with dopamine, the love drug.
Dopamine is one of the main causes for positive feelings because it sends signals from the nervous system. Dopamine is like a treat since it injects a little bit of ‘happiness’ from the adrenaline. However, that intense desire for more dopamine could be a problem later on.
When defining emotions such as love, people may think of jittery emotions and smiles. They think about making the other person happy by almost every means necessary, from dates to diamonds since “every kiss begins with k.” But not all kisses even start with k. In fact every kiss begins with dopamine, the love drug.
Dopamine is one of the main causes for positive feelings because it sends signals from the nervous system. Dopamine is like a treat since it injects a little bit of ‘happiness’ from the adrenaline. However, that intense desire for more dopamine could be a problem later on.
Do you ever wonder why you feel so shy around the person you like? Why your hands become sweaty and your throat closes up? Or why you are left a blushing mess and can’t wipe that smile off your face? During all these situations, your brain is releasing two neurotransmitters into your system. One is called norepinephrine, which is a chemical that is released in response to stress. It triggers the “fight or flight” response, which means you either confront the problem or run away. An example of this is when you’re trying to confess your feelings for someone but at the same time can’t face up to it. The second chemical is called PEA (phenylethylamine) which makes your heart race. It increases emotional and physical energy and is also the chemical that makes you happy and giddy. PEA is the cause for those “butterflies in your stomach.”
Remember that time you were unable to sleep because your brain was filled with thoughts about that cute person in class? That was norepinephrine at work. These chemicals also have different purposes. They aren’t just released when you’re ‘falling in love’ it is also released during stressful situations and could trigger anxiety, hence why you sweat and get nervous around that special someone.
While PEA can and will become addictive, it is a natural chemical that mimics the addiction to drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. It’s not harmful when it is released into your system, but it is important to know that the term ‘too much of a good thing’ applies to PEA as well. While being with the one you care about raises your mood on a bad day, PEA ultimately leads to depression when someone is dumped or becomes too dependent on their partner.
Love is nothing more than drug-like chemicals seeping into your nervous system, short circuiting your emotions and turning you in a blushing, stuttering mess. Yes, love is a real emotion, but there is also a lot of science and chemicals involved. So the next time you freeze up in front of what’s-his-name, you know exactly who to blame. Those darn neurotransmitters.
Remember that time you were unable to sleep because your brain was filled with thoughts about that cute person in class? That was norepinephrine at work. These chemicals also have different purposes. They aren’t just released when you’re ‘falling in love’ it is also released during stressful situations and could trigger anxiety, hence why you sweat and get nervous around that special someone.
While PEA can and will become addictive, it is a natural chemical that mimics the addiction to drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. It’s not harmful when it is released into your system, but it is important to know that the term ‘too much of a good thing’ applies to PEA as well. While being with the one you care about raises your mood on a bad day, PEA ultimately leads to depression when someone is dumped or becomes too dependent on their partner.
Love is nothing more than drug-like chemicals seeping into your nervous system, short circuiting your emotions and turning you in a blushing, stuttering mess. Yes, love is a real emotion, but there is also a lot of science and chemicals involved. So the next time you freeze up in front of what’s-his-name, you know exactly who to blame. Those darn neurotransmitters.