Track 11

Unit 6

Anthropology/biology

The science of love

Page 58

Talk about the topic

Parts A and B

Who agrees with the idea that love is a result of a biochemical process?

I do, absolutely. If you’ve ever been in love, you know that kind of drug sensation she mentioned. That’s the chemicals and hormones that work.

Well, I’ve had some romantic experiences but being drugged by anyone.

Really? Well, what about that first phase she mentioned? The one where you’re looking for a partner, you know, seeking a partner. Surely you’ve experience that part.

Actually, I don’t do much seeking. I’m usually the one being sought.

Well, that make sense. After all, it takes all kinds to make the love ritual work.

And what about you? Have you experienced the three phases of falling in love?

Well, not so much for myself but I know about the third stage, the commitment stage form watching my older brother and his wife. They’ve been married for like five years and they’re content, let’s say happy. They’re not real passionate but I’d say happy. That’s oxytocin. That’s oxytocin working.

Well, personally I resist the idea that love is completely chemical or hormonal. I mean, we’re not animals, right?

I don’t think she was saying that.

Well, maybe not but can we at least agree that we do have some control? I mean, we may have these feelings but we can consciously control them, right?

Yeah, of course.