Love Chemicals
THE BRAIN IN LOVE
HOW PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE
HOW PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE
SIGNS OF ATTRACTION
100

This “happy chemical” spikes when you have a crush.

What is dopamine?

100

This part of your brain for decision-making gets less active when you fall in love.

What is the prefrontal cortex?

100

People often develop feelings for someone when they spend a lot of time together.

What is repeated interaction / spending time together?

100

Your heart might do this when someone you like walks into the room.

What is beat faster?

100

Healthy relationships start with this basic form of communication.

What is honesty?

200

The “cuddle hormone” that helps people bond.

What is oxytocin?

200

This brain area for fear and stress becomes quieter when you're in love.

What is the amygdala?

200

Talking openly and feeling understood helps people fall in love through emotional ____.

What is connection?

200

People often do this with their eyes when they like someone.

What is make eye contact?

200

Respecting each other’s boundaries is a key part of this.

What is healthy love / healthy relationships?

300

This chemical drops during a crush, making you think about someone nonstop.

What is serotonin?

300

This “energy chemical” makes your heart race when you see your crush.

What is adrenaline?

300

Sharing fun or meaningful experiences can make people feel closer and create stronger feelings.

What is bonding through shared experiences?

300

When someone copies your gestures or posture, it’s a sign of this.

What is liking/interest?

300

Love grows stronger when people listen to each other with this quality.

What is empathy?

400

These natural chemicals help you feel calm and safe with someone.

What are endorphins?

400

Love activates the brain’s “reward system,” making you want to be around someone more.

What is the reward pathway?

400

When someone makes you feel safe, supported, and cared for, this helps love grow.

What is emotional safety?

400

Smiling and laughing more around someone can show this.

What is attraction?

400

Solving disagreements calmly helps a relationship build this.

What is trust?

500

This stress chemical rises when you feel nervous around someone you like.

What is cortisol?

500

Early love lights up the brain similarly to this intense motivation state.

What is addiction? 

500

Love grows when the brain links a person with happiness, comfort, and rewarding moments—this is part of the brain’s ____.

What is the reward system / reward pathway?

500

When someone remembers small details about you, it shows they’re doing this.

What is paying attention / caring?

500

Love lasts longer when both people give time, effort, and support — also known as ____.

What is mutual effort / teamwork?