What’s going on when a romance starts?  When you meet someone new and romance blossoms, there is an amazing chemical concoction being mixed in your brain.   The ingredients of this cocktail include:

Testosterone:  the “hormone of desire” which increases libido in both men and women;
Dopamine:  the “pleasure chemical” which brings feelings of elation, obsession, and good old-fashioned passion;
Oxytocin:  the “cuddle chemical” which build attachment to the other person.

The good news is that this cocktail brings a great high; the not so good news it that the high starts to wain after 3-6 months.  This is supposed to happen.  Rather than seeing this as a sign of the apocalypse, view it as a sign that the real relationship is beginning.  The other thing going on in the brain while this cocktail is being mixed is that another chemical – serotonin – is decreased, which leads to impaired decision making… sort of like wearing beer goggles for those 3-6 months.  So as this wears off, now you’re making the conscious decision to be with this person.

More good news for you.  You can do things to keep the romance alive.  Expressions of appreciation, Learning and acting upon each other’s love languages, sharing deeply with one another – these are all behaviors that keep those fires burning!

Learn how to keep your romance alive and more at my next Start Right, Stay Connected workshop on June 29.  Start Right Stay Connected is designed to provide committed, engaged and newly married couples the knowledge and skills to build a great marriage.   Click HERE for more info.