And Maybe a Weighted Blanket Too

I really appreciate you checking out my blog! Just so you know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you buy something through them, I might earn a little bit of money, at no extra cost to you. There’s absolutely no pressure to buy anything, but if you do, it genuinely helps support the time and love I put into writing these posts.
When I think about love, I don’t picture a rom-com scene with fireworks over the skyline. I picture my brain—yes, that three-pound wrinkly walnut—firing off chemicals like it’s hosting a rave. Scientists say falling in love looks a lot like a brain on a sugar high. Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin—they all crash the party. And honestly, it explains why when I first had a crush, I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, and suddenly thought every love song was written about me.
But here’s where science gets cool: we can actually nurture those brain chemicals in our everyday lives. Love doesn’t just happen by accident. You can give it a little boost, keep it alive, and even deepen it. And yes, Amazon surprisingly sells tools that make it easier.
Dopamine: The Spark That Makes You Giddy
Think back to your first date with someone you really liked. Remember how time flew, your palms got sweaty, and everything felt new? That’s dopamine, the “reward” chemical, lighting up like Christmas. But dopamine isn’t only for the first-date buzz—it thrives on novelty.
One simple way I keep dopamine alive in my relationship is by trying something new together. We once bought a scratch-off adventure book (see it on Amazon) and ended up salsa dancing in our living room. I stepped on toes, we laughed till we cried, and honestly, that night felt just as exciting as our first date. Novelty equals dopamine. Dopamine equals spark.
Oxytocin: The “Warm Hug” Hormone
Oxytocin gets released when you hug, cuddle, or even make eye contact. It’s the chemical that whispers, “you’re safe here.” Sometimes, when life gets stressful, I’ll just collapse on the couch and pull a weighted blanket (see it on Amazon) over the both of us. It’s like a cocoon that says, “the world can wait.” And when our dog hops under too? Triple oxytocin boost.
If you’ve ever noticed how good it feels to hold hands walking down the street, that’s oxytocin at work. No expensive trip to Paris required.
Serotonin: The Calm Balance
Dopamine may be flashy, but serotonin is the steady one. It keeps mood balanced and anxiety low. I didn’t realize until recently that sunshine is one of the easiest serotonin boosters. That’s why on Saturday mornings we take coffee out on the porch, even if it’s chilly. If you don’t have much sun, a light therapy lamp (see it on Amazon) works wonders. It’s like bottled daylight—and trust me, your mood notices.
Funny enough, even small rituals like cooking breakfast together or walking the same trail can help serotonin do its thing. It’s love in the everyday.
Adrenaline: The Heart-Racing Jolt
Ever notice how your heart races when you’re falling for someone? That’s adrenaline sneaking in. It’s not just nerves—it’s your body saying, “pay attention, this is important.”
These days, I don’t get first-date jitters with my partner, but we do create them on purpose. Roller coasters, hiking a trail we’ve never tried, or even just cooking with an unfamiliar spice. The science? Adrenaline makes experiences more memorable. Last month, we bought a home hot sauce kit (see it on Amazon) and nearly cried from one fiery batch. We laughed so hard we ended up bottling the mistake and labeling it “Caution: Relationship Test.”
Little Things Add Up
Here’s the truth: no single chemical “is” love. Love is a cocktail, shaken daily. A small hug here, a burst of laughter there, a sprinkle of shared novelty—it all adds up. And science gives us the roadmap.
I’ve found that even something as simple as brewing herbal tea together (see it on Amazon) before bed creates this calm, connected space. It’s not grand gestures—it’s micro-moments stacked over time that build the real, lasting bond.
What Love Isn’t
Science is clear about one thing too: love isn’t endless fireworks. Our brains aren’t built to live in constant dopamine overload. That’s why long-term relationships shift. The high becomes a hum. And honestly? That hum is beautiful. It’s steady, grounding, and it’s where intimacy grows.
I used to think if the “butterflies” went away, something was wrong. Now I know it’s the natural progression into a deeper kind of love. Science explains it, but lived experience proves it.
Why I Wrote This
I share all this because I think love—real, messy, scientific, everyday love—is worth talking about. It’s not just something we stumble into; it’s something we can actively nurture. And let’s be honest: sometimes we need fresh ideas and a little nudge (or a fun Amazon product) to remind us of that.
If you’re nodding along, smiling at a memory, or maybe even bookmarking that weighted blanket, I’d love for you to keep hanging out with me. I send out a weekly newsletter where I share more stories like this—equal parts science, laughter, and “oh wow, I needed that reminder.” It’s my way of building this conversation into something we keep alive together.
👉 Sign up here to join. Bring your coffee. I’ll bring the dopamine.
The Takeaway
Love is chemistry, yes. But it’s also choice, intention, and the daily practice of showing up. The science just confirms what we’ve always known in our gut: laughter, touch, novelty, comfort—it all matters. And with a little awareness (and maybe a hot sauce kit), we can keep love not just alive, but thriving.
So tell me—what’s one small thing you do that sparks connection? Reply, share it, or try one of these science-backed ideas tonight. Who knows? It might just be your brain’s favorite cocktail.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations. I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.

Leave a comment