Why do we love?
Why not?
When I was in college I had to read a book that addressed this question titled "Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love" by Helen Fisher. It's an interesting read and attempts to explain the biological nature behind love. The author has given a couple TED Talks that you can check out on your own. Below is one of them titled "The Brain in Love."
Her basic points:
- Romantic love is a drive.
- Romantic love is an addiction.
- Animals love, too. Animals are choosy, they have favorites, and they select mates - and it may not be just about "attraction." There may be elements of what we consider love.
It's interesting research and, as she points out at the end of the video, she can explain what's happening in the brain when you're in love, but it still doesn't really answer the question of "why?" The brain areas she says are more active in a person in love are the areas you would expect based on what we already know about love.
I really like what she says towards the end of her talk: "There will always be a magic to love." Science is about answering questions and sometimes scientists have trouble accepting things that are hard to answer - and maybe impossible. Someday science may answer this question and take the "magic" out. For now, I like the magic and I think that might be one of the best things about love. It's magical.
