Love is weird. There, I said it. Not the “holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes under the moonlight” kind of weird (though, let’s be honest, that can be weird too because in Antigua, we are more the sunset on the beach types), but the strange, unexpected quirks that make love both infuriating and utterly romantic. If you’ve ever wondered why your heart races at the sight of your crush or why love sometimes feels like a crazy social experiment, you’re not alone.
Here are six strange but wonderful things about love that might just make you appreciate it even more.
Love literally makes you high. Falling in love triggers the release of dopamine — the same feel-good chemical associated with chocolate, winning the lottery, and smoking marijuana. This is why new love can feel intoxicating, making you feel giddy, obsessed, and slightly prone to sending embarrassing texts. The feeling doesn’t always last though, so don’t base the quality for your love on these feelings.
Your heart actually does skip a beat. No, romance novels didn’t make this up. When you see someone you adore, your brain sends signals to your heart, momentarily altering its rhythm. Scientists call it an adrenaline rush — I call it nature’s way of making sure we don’t play it cool when our crush walks in. Just make sure you don’t have too many beat-skipping episodes.
Love changes your taste in music, food and even friends. You ever noticed how you start liking your partner’s favorite band (even if you once called their music “noise”)? Love subtly rewires your preferences as a way of strengthening emotional bonds. It’s science’s way of saying, “Congratulations, you’re officially smitten!” Your compromise muscle becomes strengthened.
Arguing means you care. Strange but true; healthy couples argue. A lack of disagreement could mean one or both partners are avoiding issues rather than working through them, or it could mean you have reached a stage of apathy where you don’t care anymore. So, next time you bicker over what to watch on Netflix, take comfort in knowing you’re keeping the passion alive, as long as no one ends up sleeping on the couch or you do not come to blows.
Holding hands relieves stress. It sounds simple, but studies show that holding hands with a loved one can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and even lessen physical pain. So, when life gets overwhelming, grab your loved one’s hand. Just last week. I suggested to an elderly woman that she could hold her husband’s hand while watching TV. It’s basically nature’s stress ball.
Love is a little blind…LOL. Ever wondered why your friend’s new love interest seems questionable, yet they hardly notice? Love literally alters brain function, muting critical thinking and amplifying emotional attachment. This explains everything from bad first-date decisions to the existence of couples who wear matching outfits, totally making everyone else roll their eyes.
Love is a strange phenomenon—part science, part mystery, part miracle. It makes us do irrational things (like send eight texts in a row when we meant to send just one), but it also brings joy, connection, and meaning. So, whether you’re in love, out of love, or waiting for love to knock on your door, embrace the weirdness. It’s what makes love worth it.
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