Human nature says people can't help falling in love

By KENDRA FULK
Arts Staff Writer

"Love is in the air . . ." It was the theme from the '80s TV series The Love Boat. The subject of love and romance is as commonplace and familiar as the sun and the moon. Love, along with death, is one of the strongest driving forces in our lives. And everywhere we turn, love is the theme for books, movies and music.

Fabio captures the hearts of many in the popular Harlequin romance novels and audiences swoon over couples on the silver screen in movies such as Love Affair. Most musicians have sung about love lost or scorned at one time in their careers. Whitney Houston and Michael Bolton have made a living out of it and country music is known for its heartbreak stories. And rock groups such as Aerosmith have sung about "Love in an Elevator," while Whitesnake questioned, "Is this Love?" back in late '80s.

Amy Lockard (senior-therapeutic recreation) agrees the subject of love is dominant in the arts industry.

"It's popular because everyone can relate to it," she said.

The theme of love is so popular because falling in love is part of our human nature. There are many ways in which we love. Loving chocolate is not the same thing as loving another person. In the beginning, people are obsessed with another's positive attributes, which is perhaps where the old saying "Love is blind" comes into play.

Robert Burgess, professor of human development, said there are two specific types of phases in a love relationship. The limerant or infatuation stage lasts usually for 18 months to three years for most people. Natural amphetamines cause the natural high of the first phase -- attractive to many love junkies, but Burgess says that this does not last forever.

In the second phase, endorphins create a calming period and greater feelings of attachment are developed. This period lasts longer, as people realize the importance and function of others in their lives.

College students in particular are more likely to experience these phases as the break from family attachments can cause them to begin forming bonds with other people.

Burgess said it is almost like people have blueprints according to characteristics and traits sought in a relationship. When those characteristics match, the chemistry is there and people fall in love.

Assistant professor of psychology Wayne Bylsma said there is fulfillment and security that companionship provide in a relationship.

"We have needed other people from day to day in order to survive. As infants it was a physical need, as adults, it is psychological," he said.

Cupid's arrow can be lethal in a college town as the market of 18- to 30-year-olds flock to flower, candy and card shops.

"It's mother nature's way of bringing us together," Burgess said.

Taught in the college curriculum and existing in one form or another, love has prompted its own holiday. Valentine's Day is a favorite among couples, being the only national holiday entirely devoted to romance.

"You're more romantic than normal," said Chris Zervanos (junior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management). He said he and his girlfriend go out to dinner and exchange gifts on the holiday.

Cupid may not strike everyone on Feb. 14, but love is indeed in the air whether escaping in movies, books, music or another person's eyes.