The initial buzz that accompanies romantic attraction has been scientifically proven to warp judgement. Lust, which is often confused with love, is ushered along by the release of mind-altering chemicals that can literally keep you up all night like that late afternoon double espresso.
Low serotonin levels and increased oxcytocin are found in the brains of people experiencing heart pounding desire as well as those struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder. This chemical induced drive is nature’s way to ensure continuation of the species through procreation.
When “crazy” in love calls for a detox, reach for chocolate and get a dose of phenylethylamine, one of the chemicals found in the noggin of someone high on romance. The negative side affects of taking in too much chocolate are nominal compared to staying with someone who makes you love sick.
The kind of deep love and emotional attachment that evolves over time, lights up a separate area of the cerebrum associated with comfort rather than excitement. Even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will have to get creative to keep the embers burning… if their union withstands the test of time.
Author and researcher, Judith Viorst, explains the difference between initial attraction and a mature love relationship, in layman’s terms. You’ll get her drift if you replace Robert Redford with a contemporary celebrity crush like George Clooney or Robert Pattinson.
Infatuation is when you think he’s
as sexy as Robert Redford,
as smart as Henry Kissinger,
as noble as Ralph Nader,
as funny as Woody Allen, and
as athletic as Jimmy Conners.
Love is when you realize he’s
as sexy as Woody Allen,
as smart as Jimmy Conners,
as funny as Ralph Nader,
as athletic as Henry Kissinger, and
nothing like Robert Redford….
but you’ll take him anyway.
Julie and Jennie
Lydia says
I will try to keep “lust” in perspective as I head down my new found path of singlehood. Thanks for sharing your wisdom… especially in such an entertaining way!
Admin says
Is there wisdom in eating too much chocolate?