5 Things That Happen in Your Brain When You Fall in Love – Explained by Psychologist & Sex Therapist

"The moment you start falling in love, your brain begins to change. And it happens fast. In just five minutes, your brain goes through a whirlwind of emotional and chemical reactions," explains Dr Kapoor.

Does Your Brain Get ‘High’ from Love?

The first major change involves a powerful chemical surge. According to Dr Kapoor, "there's a surge of dopamine, the 'feel-good' chemical. It makes you feel euphoric, full of energy, and focused on the person in front of you. You feel high. You may smile more, feel excited, and even act a little impulsively."

This dopamine rush creates that unmistakable feeling of being on cloud nine. It's the same chemical involved in other pleasurable experiences, explaining why new love can feel so intoxicating and addictive.

Why Do You Get Butterflies in Your Stomach?

The second brain change involves noradrenaline release. Dr Kapoor describes this process: "At the same time, your body releases noradrenaline. This chemical causes your heart to beat faster. You might feel your palms sweat or a flutter in your stomach, which we often call 'butterflies.' You feel alert and alive."

This chemical response prepares your body for action, creating those physical sensations that make romantic encounters so memorable and exciting.

Why Can't You Stop Thinking About Them?

The third change might surprise you. Dr Kapoor explains: "Then something interesting happens. Your serotonin levels drop. This is the chemical that usually keeps you calm and balanced. Its decline explains why you may become obsessive, constantly thinking about the other person, even feeling anxious if they don't reply right away. This is similar to patterns seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder."

This serotonin drop creates the obsessive thinking patterns common in early romance, where thoughts of the other person consume your mind throughout the day.

Is Love Really Like an Addiction?

The fourth brain change involves your reward system. "Your reward system also lights up, especially a region called the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This part of the brain is also active in drug addiction. So yes, early love can feel like a kind of addiction," notes Dr Kapoor.

This neurological similarity explains why people often describe love as addictive and why separation from a romantic partner can feel like withdrawal.

Why Do You Ignore Red Flags in New Love?

The fifth and perhaps most significant change affects your judgment. Dr Kapoor reveals: "Surprisingly, your prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for logical thinking, becomes less active. That's why in the early days, you might overlook red flags or idealise the person. You see what you want to see."

This reduced logical thinking explains why people often make impulsive decisions in early relationships and why friends might notice problems that seem invisible to someone in love.

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What About Long-Term Bonding?

Dr Kapoor also mentions the role of bonding hormones: "Meanwhile, bonding hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin begin to rise. They create emotional closeness, though their full impact grows over time." These hormones lay the foundation for deeper attachment and long-term relationship bonds.

Is It Normal to Feel Stressed When Falling in Love?

The final piece of the puzzle involves stress response. "And finally, there's a rise in cortisol, the stress hormone. You may feel nervous, insecure, or emotionally intense. But this is normal. It's your brain preparing for emotional risk," explains Dr Kapoor.

This stress response, while uncomfortable, serves an important purpose in helping you navigate the vulnerability that comes with opening your heart to someone new.

Love is a Biological Storm

Dr Kapoor summarises the process perfectly: "In short, love isn't just a feeling. It's a biological storm. These first few minutes rewire your brain to make you feel connected, and to pursue that connection with all your heart."

Understanding these brain changes can help normalise the intense feelings that come with falling in love. Rather than questioning your sanity when you can't stop thinking about someone or when you feel physically affected by their presence, remember that your brain is simply doing what it's designed to do, creating the neurological foundation for human connection and pair bonding.

The next time you experience these sensations, you'll know exactly what's happening in your brain during those crucial first moments of falling in love.

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