Love is far more than just chemistry...

Only recently have scientists begun to study the causes for love. It has been found, for example, that certain regions of the human brain are activated and various neurotransmitters are released when a person is in love. Functional MRIs (fMRIs) have shown that certain areas of the brain are activated when a person is in love. These areas that are activated include regions of the cortex, such as the medial insula, anterior cingulated, and regions of the sub-cortex, such as parts of the striatum and nucleus accumbens. Scientists have found this very interesting because it is these areas of the brain, which constitute the core regions of the so-called "reward system." Thus, when a person falls in love, these areas of the cortex and sub-cortex become activated and allow the person to feel happiness and satisfaction. One particular neurotransmitter that causes a person to feel happy when in love is dopamine. Dopamine is released by the hypothalamus and puts a person in a "feel good" state.

Despite all theses scientific studies try to explain the unexplainable. Love is truly a very subjective belief. Everyone fall in and out of love for different rationales. Love to me personally is all inclusive and as complicated as it can be. To me, it takes more than chemistry or love sparks to bring that special feeling of love. Love is embedded in a true friendship (a kindred spirit 真情 with mutual respect, mutual understanding, and genuine interest in the relationship). Love is flourished in honesty, trust, patience, and TLC (tender loving care). Love is strengthened with time and experience of life. Love is attested by obstacles, disagreement, conflicts, duties, and responsibilities in life. Love is full of challenges and impediment, where a lot of people choose to turn their back and give up on. As most people would baffle when faced a relationship crisis, I often have mix feelings too when challenged. After a 10 plus years of one monogamous relationship, I know love is high maintenance. While there’s no secret to my love life, it takes two to consummate a healthy and loving relationship. I am lucky to be with THE ONE who treasures the same value and has the same interests as I do.

Inspired by real life stories of our friends...

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