22/07/2022
1Falling in love is like being on drugs.
Couple flirting at restaurant from across the table
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That feeling of euphoria you get when you fall in love is the same feeling that substance users experience, according to one study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Both actions trigger the release of happy hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline, giving you a natural high (that you hopefully never come down from). For hints that you're off to a good start, check out 18 Undeniable Signs a First Date Went Well.
2Hugging your partner is an instant stress reliever.
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Feeling stressed? Hug it out with the person you love. One study conducted by psychiatrists at the University of North Carolina found that when couples embraced, they had increased levels of oxytocin—the hormone responsible for lower stress levels and mood boosts.
3A happy heart is a healthy heart.
older couple flirting outside
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Being in a loving relationship impacts your life for the better both emotionally and physically. According to one meta-analysis of more than 3.5 million people nationwide, married individuals up to the age of 50 were 12 percent less likely to experience vascular diseases compared to their divorced or single counterparts. And for more cardiovascular tips, check out This Is the Best Thing You Can Do For Your Heart Health Right Now.
4Animals commit to monogamous relationships, too.
Pair of otters
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Humans aren't the only species in the animal kingdom that practice monogamous relationships. Out in the wild, beavers, otters, wolves, seahorses, and barn owls are just some of the 25 Adorable Animals That Mate for Life.
5Couples' heartbeats synchronize.
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When you and your spouse gaze into one another's eyes, what's happening behind the scenes is that your heart rates are syncing up, according to research from scientists at the University of California, Davis. When they analyzed 32 heterosexual couples who sat facing one another for three minutes, the researchers found that their heart rates were nearly identical, and they speculate that this occurred because of the strong link between partners on both an emotional and physical level.
6Being in love is the number one reason why people wed.
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According to a 2013 survey from the pew Research Center, about nine in ten of all Americans cited love as an important reason to get married, compared to just 28 percent of people who said that financial stability was an important factor in whether a couple should wed.
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