Wired For Social Connection

The (neuro)science of love, featuring my husband

I had my husband fill out a personality test on our very first date.  For obvious reasons, he still jokes about that to this day. 

(What can I say? I’m a neuroscientist. Some people ask about astrological signs; for me, it’s all about how the brain works.)

He’s my biggest supporter and willing guinea pig, though. Over the years, he’s been open to letting me “experiment” with things like:

• Improving his sleep hygiene
• Creating an exercise routine
• Offering tips on communication skills

Also, fair to say my family and I have ushered a fair bit of oxytocin (the “love hormone”) into his life. Once the former occupant of a bachelor pad so clean you could eat off the floor, he’s a bit more comfortable with the messiness of being a party of seven.

This is powerful. As humans, we are wired to be social creatures, and the power of bonds can cause even the most orderly of individuals to soften their ways. 

So, thank you, Jochen Fabritius, and here’s to our (slightly) messy, beautiful learning lab of a life.