• Question: @lowri What happens when someone falls in love?

    Asked by Lauren to Lowri on 17 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Lowri Evans

      Lowri Evans answered on 17 Mar 2016:

      Psychologists have shown it takes between 90 seconds and 4 minutes to decide if you fancy someone.
      Research has shown this has little to do with what is said, rather
      – 55% is through body language
      – 38% is the tone and speed of their voice
      – Only 7% is through what they say (which is probably a good thing with boys!)

      There are 3 stages of love – lust, attraction and attachment. Each stage might be driven by different hormones and chemicals.

      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. 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. Newly ‘love struck’ couples had their brains scanned in an experiment 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! 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
      This deepens the feelings of attachment and makes couples feel much closer to one another.

      Vasopressin
      Vasopressin (also called anti-diuretic hormone) works with your kidneys to control thirst.

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