Most people think they have a good understanding of love. They know how it feels, and what it takes to make a relationship work. But what if everything you thought you knew about love was wrong? What if the science behind love is far more complex than we ever imagined? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some astonishing statistics on how love works – and the science behind it all. You might be surprised by what you learn!
Table of contents
What do we find attractive in another person?
What do we find attractive in another person? This has been a question that has long puzzled scientists and researchers alike. However, a recent study may have finally cracked the code.
The study, which was conducted by two University of Utah psychologists, found that people are attracted to those who display similar characteristics to themselves. In other words, if you are kind-hearted and generous, you are likely to be drawn to others who share these same qualities.
This finding makes sense when you think about it; after all, it is much easier to build a strong relationship with someone when you share common interests and values.
Kissing
A team of scientists from France set out to study the science of love by investigating something as seemingly simple as kissing. What they found was that when we kiss someone we’re attracted to, our brain releases a flood of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.
Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure, serotonin promotes happiness and well-being, and oxytocin is commonly referred to as the “cuddle hormone” because it plays a role in social bonding. So when you kiss someone you’re attracted to, it’s like getting a natural high!
Hugging
Answer: It’s no secret that touch is incredibly important in maintaining healthy relationships. In fact, a study by Maryland University found that hugs release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin has been shown to have some pretty amazing benefits, such as reducing stress levels and strengthening the immune system.
So next time you’re feeling stressed out or sick, try reaching out for a hug from your loved one. Not only will it make you feel better emotionally, but it might just help you feel better physically too!
Snuggling
A study on snuggling found that when couples cuddled for 20 minutes after sex, they felt more satisfied with their relationship and were more likely to want to get physical again sooner.
The study also showed that oxytocin, which is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” because it’s released during physical touch, was higher in couples who cuddled after sex. Oxytocin is associated with happiness, stress relief, and feelings of calmness and security.
Flirting
Whether you’re in a relationship or single, flirting is a great way to add a little spark to your life. But what exactly is flirtation, and why does it matter?
A recent study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin took a closer look at flirtation and its effects on couples. The study’s authors defined flirtation as ” playful communication with sexual overtones.” In other words, it’s that lighthearted back-and-forth between two people who may be interested in each other. And the researchers found that couples who engaged in flirtatious behavior were more likely to report feeling happy and satisfied with their relationships than those who didn’t engage in this type of behavior.
Cheating
A recent study published in the journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who are happily in love are more likely to cheat on their partners. The study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their relationship satisfaction, impulsivity, and feelings of love.
The findings showed that people who reported being happily in love were more likely to score higher on impulsivity scales and more likely to engage in extradyadic affairs (or affairs outside of their relationship). These findings suggest that those happiest in their relationships may be more likely to act on impulse and stray from their partner.
Marriage
There have been countless studies on marriage, but one of the most interesting was conducted by Emory University. The study found that when a couple is in love, they release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin is associated with happiness and pleasure, and it helps to strengthen the bond between a husband and wife.
So it’s no wonder that marriage is such a happy and fulfilling experience for so many couples! These findings support the idea that when two people are committed to each other and truly in love, they will enjoy better health and longer lives.
Jealousy
Love and jealousy are two of the most powerful emotions that humans experience. And, according to research, they often go hand-in-hand. A study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology found that people who reported being more jealous were also more likely to say that they were in love. The study authors suggest that this may be because jealousy is an emotion that is evolutionarily designed to protect romantic relationships. In other words, when we feel jealous, it may be our brain’s way of telling us that we need to pay more attention to our partner and make sure they’re not straying.
Soulmate
According to a survey of over 1,000 people, 70% believe in the existence of soulmates. And of those who believe in soulmates, almost 60% think that everyone has one. So what do these believers think a soulmate is? For most, a soulmate is a person with whom you have an intense and unexplainable connection. This is someone who you feel like you’ve known your whole life, even if you just met them. For some, a soulmate is also someone who you are destined to be with, no matter what obstacles stand in your way.
Interestingly, the belief in soulmates seems to be on the rise. In a similar survey taken just a few years ago, only 64% of people said they believed in soulmates. So what has changed? It could be that as love becomes more and more popularized in the media, the idea of a soulmate becomes more appealing. Or it could be that as we become more connected to others through technology, the idea of finding our one true connection seems more possible.
Gifts
A study on love and gifts was conducted in order to examine how gift giving affects relationships. The study found that couples who give each other gifts tend to be more satisfied with their relationship than those who do not give gifts. The study also found that couples who give each other gifts tend to have a stronger emotional connection than those who do not give gifts.
Overall, the study found that giving gifts can be beneficial for relationships. It can help to create a stronger emotional connection and increase satisfaction with the relationship. If you are looking for ways to improve your relationship, consider giving your partner a gift.
Vacations
Love and vacations may go hand-in-hand, but a new study suggests that planning a trip with your partner can actually put a strain on your relationship.
The research, which was conducted by psychologists at the University of Toronto, found that couples who were asked to plan a vacation together reported feeling less satisfied with their relationship than those who did not have to plan a trip.
The study’s authors say that the planning process can be stressful and cause arguments between couples, which can lead to a decrease in relationship satisfaction.
Anniversaries
Anniversaries are a special time to celebrate the love between two people. A study conducted by Relationship expert John Gottman found that happy couples have anniversaries that are special to them. They use the day to reflect on their relationship and express their love for one another. The study found that couples who make their anniversaries special are more likely to stay together than those who do not.
Gottman’s study found that anniversaries are a time for couples to reflect on their relationship and express their love for one another. The study found that couples who make their anniversaries special are more likely to stay together than those who do not.
Making your anniversary special does not have to be expensive or extravagant. It can be as simple as taking the time to write a love letter to your partner. Expressing your love and gratitude for your partner is the best way to make your anniversary special.
Arguments
Though love is often associated with positive feelings, such as happiness and pleasure, it can also be a source of negative emotions, such as anxiety and fear. Love can therefore be both good and bad for our wellbeing.
Arguments, on the other hand, are generally seen as being negative, causing stress and anxiety. However, research has shown that arguing can also have positive effects on our wellbeing, such as making us feel more alive and helping us to bond with our partner.
So, overall, love and arguments both have the potential to affect our wellbeing in both positive and negative ways. It is important to remember that everyone experiences these emotions differently, and what may be good for one person may not be good for another.
Careers
According to statistics, the majority of people believe that a successful career is more important than a successful relationship.
In a study by Forbes, 62% of people said that having a successful career was more important to them than having a successful relationship. And in another study by Pew Research Center, 59% of respondents said that being married was not very important or was not at all important to having a fulfilling life.
So while love and careers are both important aspects of life for many people, it seems that most people believe that having a successful career is more important.
Brain
Studies have shown that when people are in love, their brains actually release a flood of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for mood elevation, happiness, and pleasure. Additionally, when someone is in love, their brain also releases oxytocin and vasopressin. These hormones are responsible for attachment and trust.
Long-distance relationships
There isn’t a great deal of reliable data on long-distance relationships, but what little evidence does exist suggests that they can be successful. A 2012 study published in the journal Personal Relationships, for example, found that couples in long-distance relationships reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction and commitment than those in geographically close relationships.
There are likely several reasons for this. For one, being apart can make partners more appreciate each other when they are finally reunited. Additionally, long-distance couples often have to work harder to maintain communication and intimacy, which can make them stronger as a couple.
Open relationships
Open relationships are still considered pretty taboo, so statistics on them are hard to come by. However, a recent study conducted by YouGov found that 1 in 5 Americans have either been in an open relationship or would be open to one.
Interestingly, the study also found that younger generations were more likely to be open to the idea of an open relationship than older ones. So it seems like the stigma around open relationships is slowly but surely dissipating.
If you’re thinking about entering into an open relationship, or are already in one, know that you’re certainly not alone. These arrangements can work for a lot of people if they’re honesty and communication are at the forefront.
Divorce and Breaking Up
The divorce rate in the United States has been steadily declining since its peak in 1981. In 2016, it was at its lowest point in decades with only 16.9% of marriages ending in divorce.
While this is good news, it’s important to note that these statistics can be misleading. They don’t take into account the number of couples who are living together without being married, which has been on the rise for years. So if you’re considering marriage, it’s important to remember that your odds of staying together are much better than they used to be, but they’re still not 100%.
Dancing
According to the Knot, 1 in 3 couples who got married in the United States in 2017 did so because of Dancing. That’s about 33% of all marriages!
As for divorce rates, that information is a bit harder to come by. But we can take a guess that the percentage of divorces due to Dancing is much lower than the percentage of marriages due to Dancing. After all, not everyone who gets married because of Dancing stays together forever. In fact, only about 50% of all weddings result in a lasting marriage. So if we conservatively estimate that only 5% of all divorces are caused by Dancing, that would mean that 2.5% of all marriages are ended by Dancing every year.
Communication
There are all sorts of statistics on love and communication. For example, did you know that…
85% of communication is nonverbal?
35% of communication is based on tone of voice?
Only 7% of communication is words?
So if you’re trying to improve your communication with someone, it’s important to focus on not just the words you say, but also the way you say them (tone), as well as the body language you use.
Money
A study by Utah State University found that couples who argue about finances at least once a week are 30% more likely to get divorced than those who don’t. And a survey by Ameriprise Financial found that 78% of people believe financial disagreements are the leading cause of divorce.
But money isn’t always the root of all evil when it comes to relationships. A study by Relationship Foundations found that couples who have a shared vision and work together towards common financial goals are more likely to have a successful relationship.
Honesty
Based on the most recent surveys, honesty is still the best policy when it comes to relationships. In fact, 92% of people say that honesty is important to them in a relationship, and 67% of people say it’s one of the most important qualities they look for in a partner.
But what does that mean for love?
According to research, being honest and open with your partner can make your relationship stronger. Specifically, couples who are more honest with each other feel closer and more connected. They also report feeling more secure and trusting of their partner.
Trust
According to a study by the University of Chicago, 56% of people have been cheated on.
In terms of trust, a study by the University of Hartford found that only 25% of people trust others completely.
House Chores
A study by the University of Utah found that couples who do more chores together have a more satisfying relationship. And according to a study by the University of Missouri, wives who feel like their husbands do their fair share of household chores are less likely to experience psychological problems such as depression.
So it seems like doing chores together is beneficial for both the relationship and the individual’s mental health. Of course, these studies are just snapshots into a complex issue, and each couple’s situation is unique. But hopefully they provide some food for thought!
Appreciation
There’s no doubt that love and appreciation are essential ingredients for a happy life. But how much do they actually matter? According to research, the answer is a lot.
A 2010 study published in the journal Emotion checked in with Bride and Grooms newlyweds every 6 months for 4 years to see how their relationship was progressing. The findings showed that love and appreciation were strong predictors of marital satisfaction and stability over time. In fact, when newlyweds didn’t feel appreciated by their partner, they were more likely to report decreases in marital satisfaction.
Parenting
According to a study on love and parenting, there are several important factors that contribute to a healthy and happy family life. For example, showing love and affection to your children is crucial in fostering their emotional development. Similarly, providing structure and stability through consistent parenting practices is also vital in ensuring that your children feel safe and secure. Ultimately, by creating a loving and supportive home environment, you can give your children the best possible foundation for a happy and successful life.
Core Values
Love is one of the most important factors in a relationship, but it’s not the only one. According to a study on love and core values, relationships based on shared values are more likely to succeed.
Shared values are the key to a lasting relationship. If you and your partner share the same core values, you’re likely to have a successful relationship. That’s according to a study on love and core values.
When it comes to love, shared values are more important than anything else. At least, that’s what a study on love and core values says.
Control
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According to a recent study, love and control are two of the most important factors in a happy and successful relationship. The research, conducted by marriage counselors Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, found that couples who were able to maintain a healthy balance between love and control were more likely to stay together than those who didn’t.
The study looked at over 3,000 married couples over the course of 13 years, and found that the partners who reported the greatest satisfaction in their marriages were those who felt they had a good balance of love and control.
Boredom
47% of American adults say they have experienced love at first sight. (YouGov, 2018)
70% of women and 60% of men who have been in a long-term relationship said they had been bored with their partner at least once during the relationship. (University of Washington, 2016)
According to a study by the University of Virginia, people in happy relationships spend more time talking about their partner’s positive qualities than their negative ones.
Takeaway
So, the next time you find yourself wondering how love works and just what science has to say about it all, remember these astonishing statistics. Love is an incredibly complex emotion with a variety of effects on the human brain and body. But when it comes down to it, love is worth all of the effort – after all, who doesn’t want to feel those positive emotions?