The chemistry of relationships

There are several types of chemistry required in romantic relationships. An article written by experts at the University of Buffalo explains that the "something" that attracts us to somone more than another is actually several physical elements that, if they occur in a certain order, at the right time and in the right place -- can result in true love (University 1). The article goes on to provide various examples of different neurochemical processes and external stimuli that have to click in the right complex and the right sequence for someone to fall in love (University 2).

First there is smell. Smell forms part of the framework that conforms to cultural attractiveness standards and Mark Kristal, a professor of psychology at UB, uses the example of "smelling like a strawberry instead of mildew" (University 3). Shannon Brownlee also suggests that a man's smell could also trigger infatuation in a woman, as well as release a host of memories that could, at the right moment touch off vivid pleasant memories and possibly ignite that first stunning moment of romantic orientation (Brownlee 304). Then there are pheromones. "Pheromones are signals that enter the brain through the olfactory system. They can function in sex, alarm, territoriality, aggression, and fear" (University 4). Kristal also said, that while sex attractant pheromones may explain changes in libido, they don't explain why we choose a specific person for a mate.

The last neurochemical process discussed in the article in the brain itself and how it produces it's own substances that are involved in bonding. Two major brain peptides that have been been shown to be involved in both the permanent or long-term social bonding that underlies mating, are vasopressin and oxycotin. In Brownlees article, she discusses the major role of oxycotin in motherhood. "With the help of oxycotin, mothers are able to cater to their offspring's every whim and whimper" (Brownlee 295). "A woman with higher levels of oxycotin are more sensitive to other people's feelings and better at reading non-verbal cues than those with lower levels" (Brownlee 296).

Are things like falling in love, physical attraction and coutrship based solely off of matters of chemistry and biology? With all of the neurochemical elements that trigger physical attraction and suggest the process of selecting a mate, it is becoming easier to say that these elements have alot to do with 'falling in love'. With providing such chemicals as a reasoning for infatuation, lust, and love, it would seem likely that this explanation would also lead us to monogamy, but also adultry. If these chemicals lead us to choose a mate, do they eventually fade, and does the process occur all over again, leading one to be unfaithful? If this is so, then pologamy would be more common, thus the idea of monogamous marriage would increasing decline over time. I do feel like there is more to relationships then the chemicals that drive us to infatuation and attraction. Yes, these chemicals may aid us in choosing a mate, however, these chemicals forcing us is definitely not the case.



Psychologist Says Neurochemical Processes Explain Romantic Attraction. University at Buffalo: News Center. 10 Feb. 2007. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.