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Love

Confused with, and also contrasted from innumerable words and concepts, such as passion, likeness, sex, the concept of Love has been a subject of great research as well as debate among all, including researchers, scholars, psychologists, and others. Although undefinable, Love has many facets to it. It ranges from extreme form of narcissism, or self-love, to altruism and unconditional love for others.

So, what is Love?

The purest and strongest of emotions, Love entwines people together, binding us all with its magnetic force and beautifying our lives with its purity and everlasting nature. Love belongs to the core of emotions ingrained within us, leading us to seek as well as express love unconditionally for our loved ones.

Considering the abstract nature and diversity of perspectives towards the concept Love, there is a strong debate as to the origin and popularity of the word Love. According to some, the origin of the word love can be traced to early English writings written in old English during the ancient period of 8th century. Still others are of the opinion that the concept or phenomenon of Love was invented after forming an important part of courtship which had gained popularity in the middle Ages in Europe.

The different facets of love include:

However, the foundation of love in a person’s life starts with maternal or familial love. Later on, with passage of time, we experience love in its different forms such as love between friends, platonic love, and even romantic love.

Multitudes of perceptions exist in relation to the concept of love. Some such approaches or perspectives include

According to religious perspective, Love is the idolisation, devotion, obligation, and worship towards naturalised forces, church, and God. The concept of Love also differs from one culture to another.

Considerable research has been conducted by psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and others on the origin and effect of Love. Studies have revealed interesting results. According to them, a significant change takes place in the chemical balance in the brains of those who are in love. Some chemicals which have been found to be present when in love include Dopamine, Serotonin, Oestrogen, and Testosterone, among many others.

In the initial stages, the chemical Serotonin levels rise in the brain. During this stage, the reward centres of the brain are also filled with Dopamine. This creates a link or connection between the loved one and pleasure, leading us to seek out loved one time and again. Other hormones such as Oxytocin are produced later, especially on physical contact such as kiss or touch, and lead to forming a lasting attachment between us and our loved one.

It has also been discovered that during the phase of falling in Love, the social and critical judgement areas of the brain are switched off and hence, leading us to overlook the negativities and shortcomings of our loved one.

An eternal and divine feeling, Love should always be expressed to others. Love can be expressed in many ways. Some subtle ways of expressing Love:

• remain standing by the side of loved ones at all times
• supporting our loved ones
• caring for our loved ones, and
• keeping them happy at all costs

Other ways in which Love can be expressed or manifested include gifts such as

• fresh and favourite flowers
• jewellery
• cards
• plaques with personalised love messages
• music
• love songs and poetry
• favourite theatre or movie tickets, and many other things.

Love includes a divine adoration for our loved ones, a devotion towards the Almighty, unceasing care and concern for our family and friends, and a pillar of strength support for our loved ones, and even more. Thus, Love is the deepest emotion present within us which makes our life beautiful, worthwhile, divine, and complete.