Posted on 11/28/2005 12:52:35 PM PST by COUNTrecount
PAVIA, Italy, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Italian scientists have determined the brain chemical fired up when a person meets a "true love" doesn't last a lifetime, but rather, just 12 months.
When a person falls in love, levels of a protein called Nerve Growth Factor skyrocket, researchers from the University of Pavia found.
"We have demonstrated for the first time that circulating levels of NGF are elevated among subjects in love, suggesting an important role for this molecule in the social chemistry of human beings," said Dr. Enzo Emanuele, who led the study.
But, after studying a volunteer group of people between the ages of 18 and 31, researchers found the levels of NGF had fallen to original levels after one year, the Daily Mail reported.
Not to discourage romantics, the team wrote that they believe the same chemical also stimulates companionship, which is essential in any long-term relationship.
The report appears in the current Psychoneuroendocrinology journal.
My wife and I have been married all my life, yet I still snuggle up to her over on her side of the bed......That's where all the cover is!
I guess Wesley and Buttercup are hosed, then.
Just what I was thinking. I'd love to be able to buy stock in that company today . . .
The Purple Cow man was indeed very wise.
"Yep. I imagine that if that there NGF stuff had lasted longer I'd probably be somewheres else now."
Exactly.
My wife of 15 years is now my best friend. And it is that friendship -- not the fuzzy warm heeby-jeebees -- that has sustained us through the tough times.
Hmmm. I wonder if the test subjects "fall out of love" first, which is followed by the subsequent drop in NGF? In addition to a market for an NGF stimulant, I foresee a market for a blood test that measures NGF levels.
Total misidentification.
The dopamine/serotonin response is classical for infatuation not love.
Back when song writer had some sense it was called puppy love.
Infatuation is intense but it hardly love, true or otherwise.
That will stop when the hot flashes start.
"Then how come my wife and I have been married 15 years, yet someone we met just last month couldn't believe it? She said from the way we were talking and holding hands at dinner, she assumed we were newlyweds."
I was just wondering the same thing about me and my hubby...18 years and we're still diggin' each other.
I will celebrate my 16th anniversary Friday and we are as happy as ever.I think the key is that we are best friends and truly enjoy each other's companionship. The fact that he still makes me laugh every day doesn't hurt, either! It's all about friendship, shared values/goals and respect.
(2) It takes about a year for a woman to put on 50 pounds.
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