What Is Love?

Love is a complex, multifaceted emotion. It comes in many forms: a bond with family, the camaraderie of friends and the butterflies of romantic feelings. It enriches our lives and gives us support during difficult times. It also needs care and understanding to grow. And yet, despite the myriad ways we experience love, it is hard to pin down. Scientists have a hard time researching the feeling, and even psychologists have trouble agreeing on how to define it.

Some scientists view love as a primary emotion, similar to happiness or anger. Others believe that love is more of a behavioral phenomenon, the result of hormones and neurotransmitters. Some studies have shown that the chemical changes associated with love may explain the butterflies in your stomach, racing heart and difficulty sleeping that often accompany new relationships. In addition, the stress hormone cortisol drops in long-term, stable relationships, which can contribute to overall health and happiness.

Other researchers divide love into several different components: lust, attraction, attachment and benevolence. These are the feelings that may motivate sexual activity, the desire to be with a friend or the urge to give a kidney to a stranger. Love may also include spiritual enlightenment, compassion and empathy for others, and boundless love for all humanity.

In addition, some experts believe that love is an innate human need. Regardless of how it is defined, all humans are born with the capacity for love. Others argue that it is a learned behavior that can be encouraged and developed through education, training and practice.

Regardless of what the definition is, most scientists agree that it is important to have love in your life. Having loving friendships and close family relationships is a good way to feel happy, according to research. Having a sense of purpose, finding meaning in your work and giving back to the community are other factors that can lead to a more fulfilling life.

If you are looking for a partner, it is important to find someone who makes you feel safe and understood. This will help you to be your best self and allow for open communication, honest feedback and respect. It is also a good idea to stay away from toxic people, conversations and situations, as they can have a negative effect on your well-being.

While it is not easy to find the perfect partner, it is possible to make the most of what you have. Being grateful for your blessings and enjoying your daily routines can lead to more happiness than you might expect.

When writing about love, it is important to show rather than tell. Showing the emotional roller coaster that is love — the nervousness of a first date, the comfort of a long-term relationship and the heartache of separation — will help your readers connect with your characters. Watch a few scenes between characters who are in love to see how you can use visual cues to convey this emotion: lingering glances, unconscious mirroring of body language, the way that characters orient themselves toward each other in group scenes.