Ho much is LOVE worth?

Today's discussion revolves around the keyword "love." What if love could be bought? Imagine having a machine that could make you fall in passionate love with someone for life. But first, let's clarify what we mean by "love." We're not talking about the love for friends, family, or learning. Instead, we're referring to passionate love or "limerence," the intense feeling of being obsessed with someone in a new relationship.

Measuring love is no easy task, but psychologists have developed the Passionate Love Survey to analyze behaviors associated with passionate love. Interestingly, men and women experience similar levels of passionate love, but men tend to fall in love faster than women.

Studies have shown that hearing someone say "I love you" for the first time brings a level of happiness equivalent to winning $267,000 in a lottery. Beyond passionate love, committed long-term love in marriage offers practical benefits, such as tax breaks and reduced healthcare costs, equating to an extra $100,000 per year.

While wealth does impact happiness up to a certain point, love is democratic and has no correlation with money. Love, especially long-term committed love, has a significant impact on longevity, with people in lifelong relationships living, on average, 15% longer.

Chemicals like vasopressin and oxytocin play a crucial role in love. They are released in our brains when we form committed relationships and are also observed in dogs with strong bonds with their owners. Couples with high levels of these chemicals resolve conflicts faster, and looking into someone's eyes can raise oxytocin and vasopressin levels, creating a psycho-active effect akin to a drug with addictive properties.

In conclusion, love, especially committed long-term love, has immense value beyond financial measurements. It brings happiness, health benefits, and contributes to living longer, making it an invaluable and powerful force in our lives.

In our quest to understand love and its impact, we can explore the fascinating neural and psychological aspects of this complex emotion. Love isn't just an abstract feeling; it has a tangible presence in our brains. The release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," plays a central role in forming social connections and nurturing relationships.

When we gaze into the eyes of someone we care for deeply, oxytocin levels surge in our brains. This natural "love drug" reinforces our emotional bond and fosters a sense of security and trust. It's like our brains are hardwired to seek connection with others, and this is particularly evident in long-term relationships.

Commitment and lasting love also trigger the release of vasopressin, which plays a crucial role in monogamous behaviors and pair bonding. Vasopressin's impact is more pronounced in males, encouraging protective and caring behaviors towards their partners and families.

The effects of love go beyond our neurochemical responses. Love can inspire personal growth, emotional support, and resilience during life's challenges. Couples who support and nurture each other often experience better mental and physical well-being, enhancing the overall quality of their lives.

However, love is not without its complexities and challenges. Relationships require effort, communication, and understanding to thrive. Both partners need to invest time and energy to maintain and deepen their connection. Just as with wealth, complacency can erode the happiness derived from love over time, necessitating continuous nurturing and appreciation.

Ultimately, love remains a driving force that permeates all aspects of human existence. From the thrill of a new romance to the comfort of a lifelong partnership, love shapes our emotions, behavior, and overall satisfaction with life. As we continue to explore the intricacies of love, we must cherish and celebrate the power it has to bring joy, healing, and meaning to our lives.