Love has a unique power that separates it from other emotions. It’s a magical feeling that isn’t easily defined in words and varies by person. It can be experienced in many ways, ranging from a simple crush to the deep affection felt for a family member or friend. Love is a complicated emotion, but it’s also an important part of life that we strive for throughout our lives.

Throughout history, philosophers and religions have pondered the meaning of love. Today, scientific studies and psychology have added to our understanding of it. In addition, the fields of anthropology and neuroscience have contributed to our understanding of the biological and evolutionary roots of human attachments.

Merriam-Webster defines love as a strong affection for another arising from kinship or personal ties. However, this definition doesn’t do justice to the magic of love. Love can be anything from a fondness for someone you know to a powerful bond that makes you want to sacrifice everything for them. In fact, scientists have found that when you fall in love, the primary reward centers of your brain (the ventral tegmental area and the caudate nucleus) are activated – placing romantic love in the same category as basic survival systems like hunger and thirst.

For most of us, it is the idea of loving someone else that makes us so happy that we are willing to do anything for them. It could be a little thing, like their wicked sense of humor or that gorgeous grin. Oftentimes it’s a deeper connection, where we trust them with the secrets of our heart and aren’t afraid to be our true selves with them.

In the beginning, love may feel like a chemical rush. The release of hormones such as dopamine and adrenaline can cause your cheeks to flush, your palms to sweat and your heart to race. This is a good sign, but it can also be dangerous if you aren’t sure what to expect or how to handle the intensity of these feelings.

As the relationship progresses, your feelings of attraction and attachment begin to morph into the more long-term feelings of commitment, loyalty and empathy that are typically associated with love. This phase is typically characterized by the easing of those early, addictive rushes and an increasing desire to spend time with your loved one. In the later stages of love, your levels of oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone,” may increase, further enhancing your ability to bond and create a close connection with your partner.

Depending on the type of love you have, you may have a more specific goal in mind for your relationship. For example, if you fall in romantic love, it’s not uncommon to have a vision of your ideal partner that includes specific physical traits and other qualities, such as their level of intellectualism. In other cases, you might be looking for someone who can fulfill your emotional needs or provide a safe haven from the stress of everyday life.