We have all heard the term ”Love is in the Air,” but did you know that love can be wonderfully expressed through the eyes? Certain chemicals (or endorphins) that help produce the emotion of love can be emitted through emotions expressed in the eyes. There are physiological changes in the eyes that occur when love is expressed between two individuals. Love for a romantic partner, a family member, or a favorite pet can all cause the same physical response: the pupil (black part in the center of the eye) dilates.
The size of the pupil can be an indication of emotional responses and messages. According to Scientific American, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which directs our fight or flight response, causes the pupil to have a quick dilating response. The ANS is also in charge of heart rate and perspiration, and when a person is extremely interested in another person, the pupil has a dilating effect that is slightly less than the pupillary light reflex. This bounce in size is an automated response that gives scientists indication of mood or interest (or love) shown to a person or pet.
Mounting scientific evidence also shows the benefit of looking into the eyes of your pet, especially dogs. Stroking them causes you to become more healthy on all fronts, and a few minutes a day of lovingly looking at the dog and stroking the pet releases serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, which are "feel good" hormones.
There are also studies inspired by psychologist Arthur Aron, from over 20 years ago, that show if you stare into someone's eyes for 4 minutes you can fall in love... looking eye to eye allows you to connect with someone new or reminds you why you fell in love with this person in the first place.
Overall health is improved and years can be added to your life when looking at something or someone with love. Your eyes and autonomic nervous system play an intricate role in the expression of love.
Source:
12/07/2012 article of Scientific American entitled:
Why Do Pupils Dilate in Response to Emotional States?
By Joss Fong
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