It is said that love is blind and marriage makes one see. Although both sides of this statement are likely to be wrong, researchers reveal that certain human characteristics could actually provide them with a foundation and an explanation. From our psychology to our body, it seems that it is actually very possible for us to lose our head when we fall in love.
Discover our latest podcast
The illusion of loving
In psychology, the bias that 'love is blind' is described as the tendency to underestimate oneself in comparison to a romantic partner. But we’re going to focus on the proverbial meaning of 'love is blind', our irrevocable tendency to ignore any potential deficiencies in your partner and to see only the sunshine and rainbows.
A study conducted in 2010 suggested that this bias may partly be a result of psychological conditioning. Researchers presented two groups of men to women whose opinions were opposed to each other. While the control group did not show any particular attraction to these women, the group administered with a placebo, which apparently created a physical attraction (which was false), was more likely to have a crush.
A beneficial tactic
Another theory proposed in 2008 suggested that the illusions we sometimes lull ourselves into serving a positive purpose for the individual that maintains them. This may have the power to build self-esteem and cohesion in a long-term relationship and provide a love that lasts. These illusions were divided into three categories; positive self-image, optimism about the future of the relationship and the perception of exaggerated control.
For biologists, love primarily serves as a function for evolution. According to Bartels and Zeki in 2004, romantic and maternal love:
Are both linked to the perpetuation of the species and are therefore strongly linked to a biological function of crucial evolutionary importance.
In short, if love is blind, don’t worry. As long as your relationship is benevolent and respectful, as long as you find a way to communicate and be happy, the two (or more) of you will survive regardless of what your brain has chosen to ignore.
Take a look at the video above for more on this fascinating study...
