Over the years poets, philosophers, writers, and scientists have struggled to understand the mysterious force known as ‘Love’. It is an emotion that can wreak havoc on the mind. It can drive people into committing actions they never thought they were capable of. Even in this day and age, when we have an answer for most natural phenomena, love manages to confuse many.
8 Surprising Psychological Facts About Love
For the most part, love remains a mystery. It can play tricks on you and make you question your sense of sound judgment. Here is a list of 8 shocking psychological facts about love that shows just how tricky it can be:
1. Eyes are windows to the soul
Making eye contact with someone floods their body with a phenylethylamine which produces feelings of love and affection. So is that all that it takes to make someone fall in love with you? Who would have thought making someone love you would be this easy, right?
But wait, there is a catch. Intense eye contact was also shown to evoke fear in the other person. So maybe it’s best to take it slow, make frequent eye contact but don’t go overboard and make them feel uncomfortable. You don’t want the strategy to backfire.
2. The butterflies don’t last
The feelings of being love-struck are incomparable. There is a smile on your face, a spring in your step and butterflies in the pit of your stomach whenever you catch sight of your loved one. And that’s how love is captured on the silver screen, so if you don’t feel this way when you are with your significant other, then that means you don’t love them anymore?
Wrong.
Love progresses through different stages, the first kind that is Romantic Love, is what filmmakers cash in on because it has a large audience. The second stage called Committed Love is largely ignored in books and movies, but that does not belie its existence. This is the kind of love that will endure the test of time.
It lacks the sparkle but it has more meaning. Couples in this stage appreciate the joy of sharing an ordinary life together. They are relaxed and at ease with each other, there are no over the top romantic gestures to sweep the other off their feet because they are already sure of their love for each other.
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3. The chase is addictive
Have you ever gone above and beyond to win the affection of someone who is just not into you? Why do you keep running after someone when you know deep down they are just not a good match?
Science can answer those brain-teasing questions for you.
Frustration attraction is when we desperately try to win the approval of those who rejected us in order to regain our self-worth. Being dumped by someone can rattle your confidence and shake your self-esteem. The mind tricks you into believing that to feel good about yourself again you need to win the affections of the one who has turned you down. So don’t be tricked by your imagination. Ask yourself if the person you are jumping hoops for is worth all that effort or not.
4. The red dress effect
Some psychological facts about love are rather bizarre. For example, some studies suggest that men tend to find a woman wearing red more attractive than any other color. So if you can’t decide what to wear for a night out, go for that red dress. You are sure to get some hearts fluttering.
5. Love tastes sweet
A study conducted at the National University of Singapore revealed that people in love find candies and even water sweeter than those who are not. This could be because certain emotions are thought to heighten some senses. However, the fact that the participants reported water as sweet shows that love messes with our brain function of processing information rather than our taste receptors.
So make sure you buy that box of chocolates to make an impression on your loved one.
6. Dim the lights
Psychology tells us dim lighting has a calming effect and lowers our defenses making us more open to engage in intimate conversation. So if you are going out with a loved one opt for a fancy restaurant with subtle lighting to set the mood just right.
7. Take a rain check
Like I explained above love is all about the chase. Now don’t confuse this with giving your loved one the cold shoulder and pushing them away. But being balanced with your time and keeping up with your other commitments can make you more attractive to your significant other. If you are always available or constantly asking to hang out, you may appear clingy and turn them off.
So opt to go out with your friends once in a while or take some time out for yourself. This will give you space to clear your head and keep a firm grasp on reality outside the relationship. Also, it will make your partner find you more interesting as you will come off as a focused and goal-oriented person. It will also increase their curiosity to know you better because there will be aspects of your life not open to them.
Remember not to take it too far. The key is to strike the right balance. Give your significant other the time and attention they deserve, but once in a while make time for yourself.
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8. Make a good first impression
Don’t underestimate the power of first impressions. Studies suggest that it takes just 4 minutes for people to decide whether they like someone or not. So make sure to always put your best foot forward, make the effort to look good, be polite and respectful. You never know when you might bump into your soul mate.
Final Words
So there you have it, 8 psychological facts about love that may help you find your loved one or if you have already found them, make your relationship stronger.
In the end, I leave you with the words of Victor Hugo on the significance of being loved, “The supreme happiness of life consists in the conviction that one is loved”.
Here’s a quick recap of 8 psychological facts about love:
- Eyes are windows to the soul
- The butterflies don’t last
- The chase is addictive
- The red dress effect
- Love tastes sweet
- Dim the lights
- Take a rain check
- Make a good first impression
How many of these 8 psychological facts about love have you tried? Leave your comments below.
