Love is not a simple emotion but a biological drive structured into three systems (lust, attraction, attachment), and oxytocin levels measured at the beginning of a relationship can predict whether a couple will still be together six months later.

noli's read

The idea that love relies on three distinct systems (lust, attraction, and attachment) originates from the work of anthropologist Helen Fisher, supported by numerous observational neuroimaging studies. The prediction of romantic longevity at six months is based on a longitudinal observational study conducted by Inna Schneiderman and her team (2012), published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. These researchers discovered that new couples with the highest initial oxytocin levels were statistically more inclined to remain together after six months. However, presenting this as a universal 'prediction' is an overstatement: this research only involved a small group of 60 couples, which greatly limits the ability to generalize these findings. Furthermore, levels of this hormone fluctuate rapidly and measuring them remains highly complex, which prevents them from being used as a reliable and accessible compatibility test for daily life. While the biological foundations of attachment shared by the creator are indeed real, using oxytocin as a crystal ball for your relationship remains premature.

the sources

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