Love Defined

Romantic love has long been a distinguishing characteristic of humans from other mammals. Love can catapult us into eternal bliss or send us to the bottom of the pit in utmost despair. Love can be defined as an adaptive trait in the evolution of our lineage. Upright walking and large brains may have favored the emergence of love. Mothers now had to carry their babies in both hands instead of on their backs so a partner was needed for protection and provision. Human ancestors experienced long-term pair bonds for purpose of rearing young. Large brains allowed many more opportunities to woo a mate through poetry, music, art, and dance. Archaeological records prove that humans were lovesick starting about 35,000 years ago...and the tradition continues today.