Although it is common to use these terms in a similar way, our brain processes love and falling in love differently. I know the details.
Saint Valentine It is the favorite date for couples, a day that is used to demonstrate all the love that one feels for the other, giving them things or making special plans. But is it really love or is it just infatuation?
For the science and the brain, these two states may seem similar, but they are not the same. In addition to differences in the duration of each sensation, the love and the infatuation They entail different behaviors and attitudes.
Valentine’s Day: the differences between being in love and loving
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Starting from the definition of each state, radical differences can already be noticed. He lovefor its part, is divided into two classifications:
- Romantic: social construct where those involved try to do happy the other. The need arises to remember and reaffirm the feelings you have.
- TRUE: stable and mature feeling where both are in charge of their own happiness, but there is support and contribution from the other.
On the other hand, the infatuation is described as a sentimental state which has a close relationship with the dependence and the addiction A person. It presents physical symptoms such as the so-called “butterflies in the stomach”, a sensation caused by the excessive production of hydrochloric acid.
Furthermore, there is a big difference in duration: while the infatuation can last from three to seven months, love lasts more than a year.
6 keys to distinguish love and infatuation
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The main differences to take into account are:
- He infatuation tends to be more irrational, while the love It is more rational and deep, based on affection and communication.
- He infatuation can arise quickly due to expectations, physical attraction and other factors, while the love it develops over time.
- Meanwhile he infatuation idealizes the couple, love It is more realistic and stable.
- During the infatuationa feeling of euphoria and constant happiness is experienced, while the love mature does not always generate this sensation.
- He infatuation tends to be more superficial and may be associated with madness, while the love It implies a deeper and more genuine connection.
- He lovedue to its depth, tends to generate more genuine and deeper intentions, as seen in the love between mother and son.
How love affects the brain
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He love affects the brain, their perceptions and mechanisms. When you fall in love, a cascade of neurochemical changes in this organ: several neurotransmittersas the dopaminethe serotonin and the norepinephrinewhich are associated with sensations of pleasure, happiness and excitement.
These neurotransmitters activate areas of the brain related to the reward and the pleasurewhich contributes to having intense feelings and euphoriaassociated with falling in love.
However, not everything is rosy, because the love reduces activity in areas of the brain associated with the critical judgementso it can modify perception and avoid seeing defects in the couple, which can lead to idealizing the loved one.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
