We all know the feeling of being in love; it's warm, intense, and overwhelming. But have you ever stopped to think about why we feel so strongly?

Love is a powerful emotion that can take over our lives in wonderful ways, but how do you know when it's real or if biochemical responses are manipulating you?

There's nothing wrong with following your heart, but ensuring there isn't a chemical cocktail at work within is important.

Let's learn more about the intricate relationship between biochemical reactions and what people usually refer to as love.

What chemicals are released in our brains when we're in love?

Being in love is a powerful feeling, inspiring us to do things we never thought possible.

Interestingly, several chemicals are released into our brains when we're in love. The most common "love" chemical is dopamine, which contributes to feelings of pleasure, rewards, and elevated moods.

Oxytocin, sometimes called the bonding hormone or cuddle hormone, creates a sense of warmth and closeness toward another person.

Serotonin gives us a sense of well-being and security when spending time with someone special.

Last but not least, the hormone norepinephrine plays an important role, contributing feelings of pleasure alongside adrenaline and excitement. While not all these chemicals need to be present for love to work out, they certainly all lend a helping hand!

How do these chemicals affect our behavior and emotions?

Our emotions and behavior are widely shaped by complex interactions of hormones and chemicals, with oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine taking essential roles.

Oxytocin helps us form strong connections and relationships, pushing us to accept and trust others. Dopamine makes us feel pleasure when we reach a goal or experience something positive.

Serotonin influences our overall mood, influencing feelings such as joy or anger. Norepinephrine gives us energy and increases our alertness so we can take the necessary action related to our emotions.

When these hormones and chemicals are imbalanced in certain ways, they can lead to mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, but they also contribute to us feeling strong emotions of love or desire when we connect strongly with someone else.

Understanding how these chemicals work together can help people find better mental health balance and make deeper emotional connections.

Can we control these feelings, or are they out of our hands completely?

We can't control our emotions and feelings, but we can decide how to act on them.

The key is to listen to your body and recognize when something feels right or wrong. Our brains are incredibly complex organs, and how they respond to hormones or chemicals isn't always straightforward - it takes time and practice to understand these subtle feelings.

The best thing we can do is take the time to recognize our own emotions and think critically about how they affect us. With that knowledge, we can make better decisions about our relationships and interactions with others.

Ultimately, there is no single formula for successful relationships, but understanding the biochemical processes that shape our relationships can help us create lasting and meaningful connections with others.

How can we maintain these feelings over time and keep our relationships healthy and happy?

Maintaining healthy and happy relationships over time requires us to actively work on them.

This involves communicating our needs, expressing appreciation or gratitude towards each other, and developing shared interests or activities.

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy relationship is having honest conversations and openly discussing expectations and boundaries. Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of the emotions both partners are experiencing and to practice empathy, understanding how each person may feel in different situations.

It can also help to practice self-care and make time for yourself. Taking care of your own mental health will ensure you have the energy to put into your relationship.

Critical elements to keeping relationships alive are showing care, understanding, and respect for each other's needs. With patience, communication, and dedication, any relationship can be nurtured into something beautiful.

Another way to keep relationships healthy and strong is couples therapy.

Why Investing in Couples Therapy Can Strengthen Your Relationship

Investing in couples therapy can help to strengthen your relationship, even if you're not currently facing any difficulties. It's a great way to proactively better understand one another and work through the challenges that life throws at all of us.

Some of the most common reasons that couples seek therapy are:

• To increase their understanding of one another's feelings and thoughts

• To create healthier communication strategies

• To learn how to manage conflict better

• To look for new ways to deepen their intimacy and connection

• To get a fresh perspective on an issue or difficulty they might be facing

Through regular communication, you and your partner can learn how to genuinely connect with each other and become more understanding of one another's needs. Couples therapy can be a foundation for positive growth by taking the time to listen to each other and working through issues together by taking the time to listen to each other and working through problems together.

In addition, it allows couples to develop new skills that help them work through disagreements or differences without having it lead to conflict or misunderstandings. Not only will couples therapy lead to a healthier relationship, but it can also be an empowering experience that helps both partners feel much more connected and have greater respect for one another.

Paper Cranes Counseling offers couples therapy with skilled and experienced counselors to help strengthen your relationship in meaningful ways. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you foster a healthier relationship with your partner. Our goal is to create an environment of support, understanding, and growth for all our clients.Contact us for a free consultation.

Shavonne James, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist and founder of Paper Cranes Counseling, a private group practice connecting wellness seekers with culturally-affirming, holistic, care. They have openings for individuals that are working through matters of identity, interpersonal relationships, and the inner child. Contact them at www.papercranescounseling.com