Love is such an interesting thing, isn’t it? There are so many different elements that come together to make true love happen. Do you think you know everything about love and relationships? While you think you do, love is an ever-changing thing that provides such an intriguing amount of emotions and feelings that can be overwhelming. Today we will be talking about five relationship facts you never knew.
You are probably used to hearing the same old things about love: okay, yes, love at first sight is real. You are likely to meet your soulmate when you least expect it. Most marriages come from pure love, not from any other reasons (think shotgun weddings!). These are all facts we know about relationships, so we don’t need to hear them any more, right?
If you’re itching to find out something new and exciting about relationships, we have you covered. We came up with 5 exquisite facts you never knew that you’re bound to be intrigued and thrilled by. That being said, we give you five facts you never knew about relationships that are sure to blow your mind.
1. Love Has Quite an Interesting Connection with the Rest of Your Body
We all know the power of love on our thoughts and feelings, but did you know that love actually has quite an in depth and interesting connection with the rest of our bodies as well? We’re going to take a look at all of the different ways in which love affects our bodies, the good to the bad and everything in between.
Falling in Love is As Intense as an Addiction
When we think about a drug addiction, we think of someone who is so encompassed with the drug that nothing else matters. They have a need for this substance and it controls their lives. It seems crazy, but did you know that love will actually have the same reaction on your body and mind? Exactly. Let’s discover this one of the facts you never knew.
You see, when you use a narcotic you get a surge of dopamine that gives you that intense, amazing feeling. The exact same chemical is released when we are attracted to someone and see them, which is why you get that feeling of ‘butterflies in your stomach’ as well as an overwhelming amount of happiness and giddiness; it’s simply a release of excess dopamine in your brain.
Falling in love also releases another chemical known as testosterone. This particular chemical also allows us to feel more confident, happy, and excited, which is why we are always more enjoyable when we’re around the person we are in love with.
The downside to this is that falling in love also releases another chemical known as serotonin, which in excess amounts can cause extreme anxiety and obsessive behaviors. Notice that you can’t seem to get that special someone off your mind? You can chalk that up to serotonin. Just make sure that you don’t lose yourself completely after falling in love so you don’t end up some creepy stalker in the meantime.
The last two major chemicals you will have during love includes adrenaline and oxytocin. These chemicals not only give you a lovely ‘high’ like feeling, but also creates a more intense bonding between the two individuals.
Love Intensifies our Senses
Another crazy thing about falling in love is the protein known as ‘Nerve Growth Factor’ that is heightened during the first years of true love. With the new intensity of this protein, we end up with senses that are heightened incredibly. All of our senses, from touch to taste to smell, seem to be overactive; which can be quite an amazing feeling.
Hugging and Cuddling is a Stress Reliever
Did you ever notice how much better you feel while you’re hugging the one you love? How about snuggling close to them after a long day? It seems as though being in their arms makes all of our worries disappear; and there’s a reason for that. Oxytocin is to blame for this wonderful feeling, and it is instantly released when we’re in our partner’s arms.
2. It Was Long Thought the Ring Finger had a Vein Connecting to the Heart
Have you ever sat back and wondered what the actual meaning of the ring finger was? It wasn’t just some random choice when it came to marriage, although a lot of people might think it was.
There is actually quite a beautiful history behind the reason why we always place wedding rings on the index finger, and it is included as one of the facts you never knew. Hundreds of years ago, it was thought to believe that the ring finger had a vein that would literally string from the tip of the finger directly to the heart.
Why is this important? Well, for obvious reasons: if you are in love with someone, you have a deep connection to them and they are the ‘owner of your heart’. If you want something to symbolize your love and attachment to this individual, you should probably find something that will interlock the the love and the symbol of love, which is the wedding ring. The best option would then be to place the ring around the finger that is directly connected to the heart. What a beautiful way to show love?
However, this is a myth that has been completely debunked, unfortunately. But just because this isn’t a true statement about love and marriage, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still believe in the magic. After all, rings become far more meaningful if we hold onto the belief that the ring is not only a symbol of our love, but a direct connection to our beating hearts.
3. Long Distance Relationships Promote Strength Between Couples
A lot of people will tell you to absolutely stay away from long distance relationships. They say they are destined to fail, and you will never be able to survive being apart for an extended period of time. But I hate to break it to these people: that couldn’t be further from the truth; as long as the two of you are both committed and honest with each other, that is. This is what makes this one of the facts you never knew.
It isn’t say it’s not definitely difficult to be in a long distance relationship. In fact, the struggle is going to be intense and you’re going to feel it in the pit of your soul. But you will be happy to know it IS doable.
Think about it: if you aren’t together and you can’t even see each other Saturday night for a date, then you have to rely solely on communication to keep the relationship strong. By relying on communication you get to know each more thoroughly and end up with a stronger connection in the long run as you get to know every little detail about this person.
Secondly, we all know the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’. This in’t just a fun thing to say, there is a strong meaning behind it. Think about the last time you were separated from someone you were in love with, whether it was for a week or for months at a time. You undoubtedly felt longing for them, far more than if you were to see this individual every single day. The more time you are apart from the one you love, the more intense your fondness of them will become.
Lastly, just imagine how incredible it will be when the two of you are finally united. It will be the grandest thing you will ever experience, possibly better than any date the two of you will ever go on. It will allow you to finally release all those pent up feelings, being able to finally hug and kiss them and tell them how much you love them right to their face.
To make sure your long distance relationship thrives, you need to make sure that you are communicating often with your partner. You should also ensure there is complete honesty within the relationship, even if it’s things that you think might hurt the other person. Being honest and fluent with each other will keep the relationship strong and there will not be any worries while the two of you are apart.
4. There are Several Phases of Love
If you have ever been in love or know someone who has been in love, they can definitely tell you that their love is ALWAYS changing and never stays the same. In fact, they will tell you that you have to fall in love with the same person over and over again throughout the years, as people are constantly changing and doing new things.
That being said, it wouldn’t be a surprise to tell you that love happens in several phases. The initial phase is obsession, where you are so utterly attracted to the individual you are practically obsessed with them. You feel amazing around them, can’t stand to be without them, and just want to talk with them nonstop.
While this initial phase of obsession is intense, it typically only lasts for about a year, if even that; it would be downright impossible to keep a love obsession going for longer than that, or your brain might explode (not really). After the obsession comes a more mellower phase that is quite enjoyable.
In the mellow stage you will have the ability to settle down and get to know the person on a more long-term level. Think about it: you will spend the obsession phase going on more lavish dates and spending less time together, waiting for the perfect night to go on an amazing adventure. But during the mellow state, you might do more one-on-one and relaxing experience, such as taking a hike together, going camping, or just enjoying each other’s company during drinks by the beach.
Remember that love will always be changing no matter what. As you and your partner go through different phases of life, your love will go through different phases as well.
At the end of the day, love is always blind while it goes through changes. In fact, blindness is one of the key elements to falling- and staying- in love. This is because an individual won’t be swayed by those around them, ensuring they stay in love with the person they have chosen.
5. The Longest Marriage Lasted 86 Years
Don’t let anyone tell you that true love doesn’t exist, because there is proof out there that it DOES. Just ask Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher, the couple that lasted a whopping 86 years. THis is incredible considering a lot of people will tell you that is it simply impossible to stay in love that long.
The reason their marriage probably lasted? They had all the key elements to staying together. They most likely communicated often and were completely honest with each other through and through. They laughed together regularly and enjoyed each other’s company to the fullest. (They say that couples who laugh together, stay together!) And lastly, they worked through their problems rather than running when the going got tough.
Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher are just one example of true love. They have naturally become masters of the facts you never knew. There are several other amazing couples out there who have held onto their marriages for well over 50 years, which gives us hope that true love exists and we, too, can enjoy love for several years.
Wrapping Up
After reading this, your jaw is probably on the floor. There is so much more to love and relationships than you ever thought possible, which is why I bet you’re really glad you read these five facts you never knew about relationships. Now you’re practically an expert- although we can’t deny that there is ALWAYS new things to learn about love and relationships!
From the unique chemical combinations released from love to the history behind weddings rings, it’s no secret that love is truly an amazing thing. If you have the chance to ever fall in love, remember that long distance CAN work, communication IS key, and laughter should always be included for a long-lasting relationship. Keep these key points going through every phase of your love and your relationship will be sure to thrive.