Love - A Magical Experience

Did you know that Psychologist says it takes between 90 seconds and 4 minutes to decide if you fancy someone. 

Yes, its true!. 

Can you still remember why you can't get over admiring your crush or cherishing the moments you had with your first love. 

Do you still remember the crazy things you've done just to catch his attention?

Do you still think how come your friend fell in love with the guy you hate so much that easily?

Thats what you call LOVE. 

Love is define as 'An intense feeling of deep affection". 

Nat King Cole described Love and broke the letters down in terms that millions of people worldwide could agree with. 






L: Is for the way you look at me

O: Is for the only one I see

V: Is very , very extraordinary

E: Even more then anyone that you adore


But how does love really works inside us? 

Love comes from the chemicals found in our brains. These cocktail of hormones and chemicals constitutes the 3 stages of love. 

The 3 Stages of love was proposed by Helen Fisher. 

Its lust, attraction and attachment. 

Stage 1: Lust
This is the first stage of love and is driven by the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen – in both men and women.


 Stage 2: Attraction
This is the amazing time when you are truly love-struck and can think of little else. Scientists think that three main neurotransmitters are involved in this stage; adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin.

Adrenaline The initial stages of falling for someone activates your stress response, increasing your blood levels of adrenalin and cortisol. This has the charming effect that when you unexpectedly bump into your new love, you start to sweat, your heart races and your mouth goes dry.

Dopamine Helen Fisher asked newly ‘love struck’ couples to have their brains examined and discovered they have high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This chemical stimulates ‘desire and reward’ by triggering an intense rush of pleasure. It has the same effect on the brain as taking cocaine! Fisher suggests “couples often show the signs of surging dopamine: increased energy, less need for sleep or food, focused attention and exquisite delight in smallest details of this novel relationship” .

Serotonin

And finally, serotonin. One of love's most important chemicals that may explain why when you’re falling in love, your new lover keeps popping into your thoughts.

Stage 3: Attachment

Attachment is the bond that keeps couples together long enough for them to have and raise children. Scientists think there might be two major hormones involved in this feeling of attachment; oxytocin and vasopressin.

Oxytocin - The cuddle hormone

Oxytocin is a powerful hormone released by men and women during orgasm. 

It probably deepens the feelings of attachment and makes couples feel much closer to one another after they have had sex. The theory goes that the more sex a couple has, the deeper their bond becomes. 

Oxytocin also seems to help cement the strong bond between mum and baby and is released during childbirth. It is also responsible for a mum’s breast automatically releasing milk at the mere sight or sound of her young baby. Vasopressin Vasopressin is another important hormone in the long-term commitment stage and is released after sex.  Vasopressin (also called anti-diuretic hormone) works with your kidneys to control thirst. Its potential role in long-term relationships was discovered when scientists looked at the prairie vole. Prairie voles indulge in far more sex than is strictly necessary for the purposes of reproduction. They also – like humans - form fairly stable pair-bonds. When male prairie voles were given a drug that suppresses the effect of vasopressin, the bond with their partner deteriorated immediately as they lost their devotion and failed to protect their partner from new suitors. Now thats why falling in love is not just a matter of choice, but also an urge of our natural instinct.  Reference:  -http://www.youramazingbrain.org/lovesex/sciencelove.htm -Wikipedia - meaining of love  -slowbuddy.com for pictures -http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/games-primates-play/201203/the-evolutionary-history-love -The Evolutionary History of Love What love is and where it comes from Published on March 26, 2012 by Dario Maestripieri,  Ph.D. in Games Primates Play

Our First Year

 

I went home around 2pm today. On my way home, I felt dizzy and my headache keeps going worst. When I arrived at home I notice that Kuya Jerry and Mark started to build our room. Suddenly I felt the urge to vomit so i quickly ran to the comfort room. I have the habit of purging, when it does not come out naturally. It was a relief getting it out.

I went upstairs to watch how Kuya Jerry and Mark worked together in building our room. I cant wait to see how it looks like when it is all done. I stayed for a while then went downstairs so i can rest and sleep. 

My phone started to alarm at exactly 9:30pm. It was the 8th of february by the way. I listened to my favorite OST from my favorite k-drama (rooftop prince) for a few minutes. Before turning it off, Mark woke me up with hugs and kisses. 

He whispered and asked me,

"What date is today?"

"Its the 8th of February" I replied.

then I saw his eyes sparkle. He then greeted me,

 "Happy Anniversary! I bought a chocolate cake, because its our birthday!"

I smiled and kissed him back. I got up and he prepared the cake. he lit up the number 8 shape candle and we sang happy birthday like kids. Then we blew our candle together.  i looked at him, gave him a hug and whispered,

"Thank you!, I love you hon."

In my mind, I always think about how long our love can last. But everyday Mark gives me a hundred reasons to keep the live alive. I hope I was able to do the same for him.