The human being is not the only monogamous animal in the animal kingdom, although it is one of the few that establishes lasting relationships with a partner. From a biological point of view, there seems to be considerable scientific consensus that the objective of establishing the male and female in a stable union is aimed at the reproduction and maintenance of the young for long enough that they can be autonomous. Obviously, in human relationships, love is much more complex. It is not necessary to reproduce (or have the capacity or intention to do so) for the chemical processes that cause falling in love to be triggered in our brain. It is believed that not all people generate the same reaction in us: what is known as the ‘chemistry’ between two people cannot have a more literal sense, since it refers to what the hormonal composition of the body causes in each one. another person, in addition to their personality, physical, way of expressing themselves, speaking, moving …
Oxytocin, also called the ‘love hormone’, generates a chemical reaction in the brain when we start dating a person, and causes a torrent of positive feelings that can last several months, even one to two years. During these initial stages, we tend to idealize the person next to us, our sexual desire is triggered, and we ignore their ‘flaws’. While we don’t become completely irrational people, our brains are ‘drunk’ on love.
After a reasonable period of time, after which the effects disappear, love and attachment remain, and the first conflicts begin to appear: we begin to know the person as they are, without the hormonal veil that previously blinded us. In order for a lasting bond to be built, it is not enough to love each other very much, but we will have to adjust our differences, know the values of the other, concerns, preferences, life projects … It will be time, then, to reach meeting points, and decide if it is worth accepting and loving the other as they are … or not.
Of course, monogamous relationships (two people) are not the only valid ones, and neither are those established from a single sexual orientation and identity. As long as all the people involved feel comfortable, there are those who agree on polyamorous relationships (with three or more people) open sexually or closed. Nor is it essential to start an emotional relationship to live, there are many people who prefer to live alone and establish meaningful ties only with friends and family.
Human relationships are very complex, and they are also changeable. Although the family is the most common type of human formation throughout history, and it has shaped Western values, today those values are changing. Of course: there are still many myths about romantic love that generate unnecessary suffering, fear and doubts. They can also perpetrate or favor situations of abuse and / or mistreatment that should not be allowed.
We review some of the most widespread myths about love and relationships. How many of them have you fallen for? Start sliding through our gallery.
