How to Find and Keep Your Forever Person

Love is a funny thing. It can make us feel all sorts of crazy emotions, from butterflies in our stomach to heart-pounding excitement. But what is love, really? And how can we find and keep our forever person? So whether you're looking for love or you're already in a relationship, read on for some insights into the science of love.

The Brain Systems of Love

Love is a complex emotion that is influenced by both biological and psychological factors. There are three brain systems that are involved in love: The sex drive: This is the system that drives us to seek out sexual partners. It is influenced by hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen. The attachment system: This is the system that helps us to form close bonds with others. It is influenced by hormones such as oxytocin and vasopressin. The reward system: This is the system that gives us a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. It is influenced by neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

The Stages of Love

Love typically goes through a series of stages, from limerence to long-term commitment. Limerence: This is the early stage of love, when we are intensely attracted to someone. We may feel obsessed with them, and we may have trouble thinking about anything else. Limerence is often characterised by a number of physical and psychological symptoms, such as:
  • Increased heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Obsessive thoughts about the other person
  • Feeling euphoric
The honeymoon phase: This is the next stage of love, when we feel happy and fulfilled in our relationship. We may feel like we are on cloud nine, and we may be very affectionate with our partner. The honeymoon phase is often characterised by a number of positive emotions, such as:
  • Love
  • Admiration
  • Respect
  • Trust
  • Gratitude
Long-term commitment: This is the final stage of love, when we have a deep and lasting bond with our partner. We may still feel attracted to them, but we also love them for their personality and their quirks. Long-term commitment is often characterised by a number of positive qualities, such as:
  • Acceptance
  • Compassion
  • Friendship
  • Trust
  • Loyalty

The Factors That Contribute to Lasting Love

There are a number of factors that contribute to lasting love. These include:
  • A strong sex drive: A strong sex drive can help to keep the spark alive in a relationship. However, it's important to note that sex is not the only thing that sustains a relationship.
  • The ability to regulate emotions: It is important to be able to manage your emotions in a healthy way, both positive and negative. This will help to prevent conflict and keep your relationship strong.
  • Positive illusions: Positive illusions are unrealistic but positive beliefs about our partner. They can help us to see the best in our partner and to overlook their flaws.
  • Shared values: Shared values are important for a lasting relationship. When you share the same values, you have a foundation on which to build your relationship.
  • Communication: Communication is key to any successful relationship. It's important to be able to communicate openly and honestly with your partner.
  • Trust: Trust is essential for a lasting relationship. When you trust your partner, you feel secure in the relationship.
  • Acceptance: Acceptance is another important factor in a lasting relationship. When you accept your partner for who they are, you are more likely to be happy in the relationship.
  • Commitment: Commitment is the willingness to work through the tough times in a relationship. When you are committed to your partner, you are willing to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work.

Advice for Maintaining a Lasting Love

Here are some tips for maintaining a lasting love:
  • Keep the sex drive alive: Make time for physical intimacy, even if you've been together for a long time.
  • Communicate effectively: Talk to your partner about your feelings, both positive and negative.
  • Focus on the positive: Pay attention to the things you love about your partner, and don't dwell on their flaws.
  • Work through conflict: When you do have conflict, try to work through it in a healthy way.
  • Make time for each other: Even if you're busy, make sure to make time for each other.
  • Be supportive: Be there for your partner when they need you, and offer your support.
  • Be grateful: Let your partner know how much you appreciate them, both verbally and physically.
  • Never give up: Love is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but if you're willing to work at it, your love will only grow stronger.
Love is a complex emotion, but it is also a beautiful one. By understanding the science of love, we can learn how to find and keep our forever person.

Quirky Points or Phrases

  • "Love is a funny thing."
  • "The brain systems of love."
  • "The stages of love."
  • "The factors that contribute to lasting love."
  • "Advice for maintaining a lasting love."
  • "The quirks of love."
  • "The science of love is a beautiful thing."
  • "Love is a journey, not a destination."
  • "Never give up on love."

Bonus Tip:

One of the best ways to keep the spark alive in a relationship is to surprise your partner. This could be anything from planning a romantic dinner to giving them a small gift. When you surprise your partner, it shows them that you are thinking of them and that you care. It also adds a little bit of excitement to the relationship. So next time you're looking for a way to show your partner how much you love them, why not surprise them? They're sure to appreciate it!#relationships #growth #wellbeing #happiness