A study from Syracuse University suggested that “falling in love takes one-fifth of a second”. Using brain scans and measurements of blood flow within the brain, they found specific areas of the brain are triggered more intensely, some almost instantaneously. Particularly with passionate love or unconditional love.
Numerous medical and scientific studies have demonstrated the almost instantaneous and spontaneous release of neurochemicals when we see or engage with another. Oxytocin, dopamine, vasopressin, and serotonin, to name a few. That it is more complex than emotions alone. We are attracted to, triggered, and driven by certain individuals to feel love, feel good, and yes—“fall in love”.
In the first moments of attraction, the brain releases the neurotransmitter, phenylethylamine (PEA), which induces elation and euphoria—like a drug. Resultant activation of parts of the brain can raise our heart rate and induce “butterflies” in our stomach. In those initial flashes of attraction, we can become literally “PEA-brained”. We’ve all been there.
The mind, reasoning, and rationale certainly play tremendous roles in falling in love. It is a “full brain phenomenon”. But that magical spark, attraction, and connection—has been demonstrated, and even scientifically evidenced—to be real. At least for many.
If you are completely honest with yourself, sometime in your lifetime, at least once . . . you have most likely felt that immediate pull, “rush”, attraction, and excitement upon seeing him or her across the room. The first eye contact. The first “hello”. True, it might not have worked out as magically as things progressed, and not lasted. But—the initial “spark” was felt. Undeniably.
Many loving and lasting relationships grow and evolve over time. A natural affinity and the trials of life bonding a couple. And you have heard the stories, “I didn’t even like him at first. But he turned out to be the best partner I could have asked for.”
But the “chemistry of love” is a proven phenomenon. We even refer to “the chemistry between lead actors” in a film. It is something felt, not explained. Our individual energies, preferences, experiences, and associations are components of the “chemistry”. But so are our hormones, the neuroendocrine axis, and endorphins, in response. A physiological magnetism, attraction, and connection.
Therein lies the excitement, euphoria and exhilaration of “falling in love”. And as writers, we love that! The magnet that brings our characters together and causes them to do and say things they wouldn’t normally. Or rationally. Or even wisely. But they do it . . . and we love that they do. It drives the story.
In all my novels, the suspense and thrillers, even the more action and adventure novels, there are male and female protagonists. And although they don’t always get alone (often they don’t), they disagree, there is contention and conflict—there is always that “tension” of attraction. That spark. So, read—see how it plays out for them!