Secondly, the scientists state that as we fall deeper in love, this feeling grows stronger – but only for as long as we continue to be satisfied by the relationship.

They reference the findings from their own neuroimaging research, which found the simple act of thinking about a loved one can both make you feel good but also help protect you from negative emotions such as stress and pain.

And happily, the researchers conclude that these feelings don’t necessarily fade over time. Contrary to the idea that the heady first stages of love are more powerful than the comfortable and established later stages, the researchers reference a study which showed participants who had been married for an average of 21.4 years and still felt passionate love for each other had similar dopamine activity to those who were at the beginning of their relationship.

So perhaps keeping the passion alive really is the key to a successful relationship…

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Images: iStock / Twentieth Century Fox

This is what happens to your brain when you fall in love