Diane Ackerman wrote an editorial piece in the New York Times some months ago about interpersonal neurobiology—how our brains rewire themselves based on what we think about. It’s like the quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Life consists in what a man is thinking of all day.” And he never heard of interpersonal neurobiology. Now scientists can watch what parts of our brain light up based on stimula, and observe parallels between love and opiates, heartbreak and broken bones.
In case we thought love is a bad thing, Ms Ackerman does her best to win us over to hearts and flowers. Tests have proven that we can withstand more pain if we’re touched by a loved one. A happy marriage relieves stress, lights up the reward centers of the brain, makes a body feel safe. When two people become a couple, they add a host of new experiences: new friends, family and interests. They also have the opportunity to grow in compassion, patience and wisdom.
So yay for love! And Happy Valentine’s Day!