One of the most baffling stages in our evolution is the development of emotion. When did we go from simple bacteria to full-fledged organisms with the ability to care, to feel, to hurt? I admit, I'm an evolutionist, but the complexities go beyond human thinking. They go into a realm of human imagination and recognition. When we look at something, we can decide instantaneously if it something we cherish, what its name is, how old it is, or whether we'd bet better off without it. Emotion is not restricted to humans — animals show affection too. Therefore, they are that much more linked to us genetically through their emotions. And among the most powerful emotions of them all is that which gives us the ability to care, to understand.
I'm proud to introduce my second Social Experiment: love.
What do you term as love?
My peers are extremely fickle about terming who they love and who they "like", who they have a crush on. Most of the time, it's a physical attachment. But why? Love is a mental emotion, not a physical one. It's not necessarily inappropriate, but odd to be "loving" someone in high school when you're probably sure the relationship won't last long enough for the emotion to actually develop. Until then, one is experiencing companionship, happiness which eventually leads to love, I suppose. People are just afraid of commitment sometimes, afraid of change.
A unique thing about love is that it creates tension and jealousy — the age-old competition to get the best. In the experiment, I observed my subjects at first cool with each other, and slowly moving to distrust and somewhat alienation over something very simple. It's likely a reversible relationship, so don't worry about that! But in the same way that love is termed as "fire", "passion", etc, so is hate, rapidly building off of the little things — the little bits that strayed in its way. Without thinking, we mindlessly feed the flames.
Read 4 comments (Leave a comment?)
Jenny said:
I agree with you; emotions are not restricted to humans. Animals does show affection. Very interesting social experiment.
Posted on June 12, 2006 1:03 AM; Permalink
Deanna said:
That is a very interesting subject to be looking at. I took some classes that touched on these subjets and enjoyed them very much.
Posted on June 12, 2006 7:09 AM; Permalink
King Echo said:
Love is too much for me. I’m definitely afraid of commitment in general… but I do love. I have a man in my life I love very much as well as a little boy. I think love goes far beyond what we can view and understand, though. My love for my baby brother is one that is fierce and protecting. I know that I would die to give him that much more time to run from danger. I feel it come on me from somewhere almost outside of my own body. It’s hard to explain, but if I am walking down the street alone (as I usually do) I am a very timid person. I fear strangers, I do not like men to come near me. I shrink up into myself. My own desire and will to live is often quite small. In contrast if he is with me I become very bold, questioning, alert.
As for the man in my life, when I see him I have a desire to knock him down and give him hundreds of thousands of kisses. I giggle and feel like I’m bubbling and bursting. People always are saying, ‘Chemical reaction, blah blah blah, wears off in about a year.’ I’ve known him for a very long time, though- off and on for 8 1/2 years. My feelings for him only intensify as time goes by.
I also talk too much ~zips it
Posted on June 14, 2006 3:53 PM; Permalink
Biscuitrat said:
Oh, no, it’s all right. The whole purpose of this was to try and understand why people love - what love really is. My friend misuses it so often that she often ends every relationship in heartbreak - too much at one time.
What you have is a wonderful relationship that comes from understanding and trust and therefore, love. All the best and thank you for an indepth comment! It’s my first so far :)
Posted on June 14, 2006 4:57 PM; Permalink