Dating Tips

   Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Dating

       Dating Tips by experts


True Love And Chemistry: Exploring Myth And Reality


When you think about the qualities found in a true "soul mate" relationship, what one word comes up most often on the top of your list?

Is it CHEMISTRY? Probably.

Just the mention of this term conjures up powerful feelings and images for anyone who has ever been in or seeking a love relationship. It is often described as a feeling that leaves you breathless, excited and weak in the knees. Palms sweat, the heart races and the body tingles with nervous anticipation.

It is believed by virtually everyone that true love cannot exist without chemistry. Therefore, the conclusion most would-be lovers come to is that if they experience these intense feelings towards someone, they have the basis for an ideal and lasting relationship.

Right? Maybe not. For this definition of chemistry is limited to one's physical response to another person. It lacks an entire dimension that resides in our values, beliefs, personalities and worldview

In order to know you have the right connection with a potential (or existing) partner, it's important to have a basic knowledge of what real chemistry consists of, instead of embracing only the myths that surround it. This can be difficult to do. This intense, physical passion is the stuff that Oscar winning movies and best-selling books are made of. So, take a step back for a minute and see if you recognize yourself in the following.

Sarah is a thirty something, very attractive and successful, professional female. She has been in a relationship for over a year with a man who is unfaithful, disrespectful and incapable (unwilling) to make any commitment to her. Yet, when he makes late night "booty calls", forgets her birthday, or stands her up repeatedly - she remains available and willing, in spite of her general unhappiness and upset over their "relationship". Why? "I think I have mistaken great sex for love. I feel this intense chemistry and physical intimacy when we are having sex, even though he offers me nothing else. Over time, it has left me unhappy and feeling badly about myself."

John is an attractive, intelligent, 30 something male who owns his own successful business. He's dating a woman that he thinks he is in love with. He has knowledge that she has been out with other men. She cancels dates and is often critical and emotionally distant. She refuses to discuss commitment or taking the relationship to the next level. Yet, she turns to John for emotional, physical and financial help whenever she feels she needs it. Why does John continue to see her? "She's beautiful and the sex is great. We have such strong physical chemistry. It's almost like an addiction for me. My friends can't stand her and even I know she's not really a "keeper", but it's hard to walk away.

These vignettes are great examples of how physical chemistry can be mistaken for the real thing. The attraction on one level is strong, yet these are not relationships that have the right elements to grow into happy and satisfying partnerships.

So, what is missing?

Kahlil Gibran defines it as "spiritual affinity". It's the hidden element of chemistry. It's when two beings meet and connect on a deeper level. It can only be felt in the heart and soul. It's about friendship, respect, humor and the feelings of warmth and contentment that come when you are in his/her presence.

People often report finding one without the other. This is understandably a cause of great frustration and confusion about whom should we choose and why. In order to understand this better, it is helpful to know how and when each facet of chemistry occurs.

Physical attraction (or lust) generally begins during our first contact with someone. It can DEVELOP into something more over time, yet some pull is there from the beginning. The chemical that results from this attraction (and intensifies it) is phenyl ethylamine - or PEA. It is a naturally occurring substance in the brain. Essentially, it is a natural amphetamine. It stimulates us and increases both physical and emotional energy. The attraction causes us to produce more PEA, which results in those dizzying feelings associated with romantic love. Another substance that is released by PEA is dopamine. This chemical increases a desire to be physically close and intimately connected.

When these chemicals are being secreted in larger doses, they send signals from the brain to the other organs of the body. If you wonder why you or someone is attracted to the "wrong" person, it may be because you are high on the physical response to these substances, which overwhelm your ability to use your head and exercise "good judgment and common sense".

"Spiritual affinity" develops over time and repeated contact. When these feelings begin to emerge, the brain produces endorphins. These are more like morphine and result in an increased sense of calm that reduces anxiety and helps to build attachment. As relationships move into this phase they are characterized by more comfort, commitment and friendship.

Generally speaking, all "soul mate relationships" require at least some measure of each of these. The important thing to remember is that they come in stages, which is not to say that the physical attraction passes as one moves into a deeper connection. However, it changes. We cannot sustain those intense emotions as we travel down the road to commitment and a shared life. However, in healthy relationships those moments of intensity can and do occur for brief intervals at intermittent times.

Remember not to confuse great sex or deep friendship with romantic love. Instead, look for a measure of both of these in your feelings for another. For then you have the ingredients that lasting love is made from.

Toni Coleman, MSW is a licensed psychotherapist and relationship coach with over 20 years of experience. As a recognized expert, Toni has been quoted in many local and national publications including: The Chicago Tribune and The Orlando Sentinel newspapers and Family Circle, Woman's Day, and Star magazines. She has been featured on ABC News; Discovery Health Channel and AOL Online. As a weekly contributing commentator on the KTRS Radio Morning Show, (St. Louis, MO), Toni offers dating tips and relationship advice in response to listener feedback. Toni founded Consum-mate.com in 2002 to offer singles the knowledge and tools they need to find and sustain healthy, lasting love relationships. She is a member of The International Coach Federation, and The International Association Of Coaches.


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Dating here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Dating

You might be also interested in :






Can one really meet and marry a beautiful, educated, intelligent and sincere Russian woman? Or all thosed ads are just scams?
 
Are you tired of the same old dates? Come on. They are lame! If you really want to spice things up and impress your sweetheart, try out these 300 Creative Dates
Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief-loss, Elder Care Relationships
Humor, Inspirational, Motivation, Meditation, Spirituality Goal Setting, Wealth Building, Ethics, Stress Management
Yoga, Alternative Health, Build Muscle, Exercise Aerobics Cardio, Fitness Equipment Pregnancy  Dating, Elder Care, Positive Attitude,  Meditation, Spirituality Elder Care, RelationshipAcneBeauty,
Hair Loss
Cooking Tips, Recipes,Top Tips for everything Crafts Hobbies, Creativity, Fishing Photography, Pets,

Latest info on : Dating

 


Hindustan Times

RIHANNA FIGHTS OFF LATEST DATING RUMOURS
Contactmusic.com
RIHANNA has laughed off new rumours she's dating 90210 actor TRISTAN WILDS, insisting she "doesn't even have his number". The Umbrella hitmaker, 21, ...
Rihanna Not Dating 90210 Star Tristan WildsTransWorldNews (press release)
Rihanna happy to be singleIndian Express
Rihanna Is NOT Dating Tristan WildsAngryApe
Singersroom News -AHN -National Ledger
all 90 news articles »


China Daily

Rihanna on Dating: I Check the Boy from Top to Bottom
Zimbio
Rihanna isn't going to go out with any old guy when she decides to get back in the dating game. The songstress has been single since Chris Brown assaulted ...
AUDIO INTERVIEW: Rihanna Misses Chris Brown Sometimes; Denies Dating 90210 HunkRadar Online
Rihanna is ready to start datingThe Skinny
Rihanna: Size Matters!Hollyscoop
Mr Paparazzi -MTV.com -People Magazine
all 492 news articles »


Us Magazine

Carrie Prejean and Kyle Boller: Dating!
The Hollywood Gossip (blog)
Carrie's dating NFL scrub star Kyle Boller! The backup quarterback for the St. Louis Rams and Carrie Prejean have been dating since the summer, according to ...
Vivid Buys Carrie Prejean Sex Tape, Beauty Queen Dating Kyle BollerSports-Odds.com
Nov. 21, 2009: Carrie Prejean and Kyle Bolle, Kevin Belford and the blues and ...St. Louis Post-Dispatch

all 370 news articles »


Europe's computer-dating system badly malfunctions
Financial Times
Europe's choices for its new "president" and "foreign minister" are like the result of some sort of computer-dating programme that has gone badly wrong. ...

and more »


Nature.com (subscription)

Dung dating illuminates mammoth mystery
Nature.com (subscription)
The disappearance of the huge herbivores that once roamed North America triggered a massive change in the environment with new trees and more fires. ...

and more »


411mania.com

Who Is Avril Lavigne Dating Now?
411mania.com
Avril Lavigne only just filed for divorce from husband and Sum-41 frontman Deryck Whibley, but it looks like she's already playing the field. ...
Is Avril dating Wilmer Valderrama?CNN
Is Avril Levigne dating Lohan's cast-off Wilmer Valderrama?Hot Momma Celebrity Gossip (blog)
Avril Lavigne dating Wilmer Valderrama?Oneindia
Ireland Online -Digital Spy -ABC Action News
all 92 news articles »


The Money Times

Report: Efron and Hudgens still dating
United Press International
Efron, 22, and Hudgens, 20, have been dating since 2005, and have co-starred in three installments of the "High School Musical" franchise. ...
Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens Still TogetherThe Female Fan (blog)

all 9 news articles »


PerezHilton.com (blog)

Constantine Dating NYC Socialite!
PerezHilton.com (blog)
Constantine Maroulis had a very special guest in the audience Thursday night during his Broadway performance in Rock of Ages. New York socialite Tinsley ...

and more »


Times Online

Robert Pattinson dodges Kristen Stewart dating question
Sawf News
Robert Pattinson has ducked a question about dating Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart on a US chat show. Photo Credit: Splash News November 19, 2009, ...
Pattinson 'not dating'TeleText
Robert Pattinson on David Letterman, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart datingKhabrein.info
A Year in the Life of the 'Twilight' CastMoviefone
MTV.com -New Magazine -Times LIVE
all 5,154 news articles »


Hindustan Times

Aarti Chhabria denies dating Headley
Oneindia
Bollywood actress Aarti Chhabria is trying hard to wash her hands off terror-accused David Coleman Headley. The actress has denied ever meeting Headley ...
Arti Chhabria: Headley, who?Times of India
Mahesh Bhatt's film targeted over Rahul-HeadleyHindustan Times
Kangana, Aarti hit back at 'Headley dating' storyOneindia

all 184 news articles »

Google News

 

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert Zone > Dating


| Dating Home | Dating Tips - Complete list 

| Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert Zone  |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved