In this episode, I discuss the psychology and biology of desire, love and attachment. I explain how childhood attachment types are thought to inform adult attachment styles to romantic partners, and I describe some of the major theories of human mate selection, relationships and infidelity. Additionally, I explore the neurobiology and proposed subconscious processing underlying desire, love and attachment, including the roles of empathy and “positive delusion." I outline how self-awareness can shift one’s relationship attachment style towards securely bonded partnerships. Finally, I describe specific tools and supplements that have been researched to increase libido and sex drive. Throughout the episode, I explain the science and key mechanisms underlying romantic love and outline tools for those seeking to find a strong, healthy relationship, or for those wanting to strengthen an existing relationship. 
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Article Links

Romantic love: an fMRI study of a neural mechanism for mate choice

Relationship-specific Encoding of Social Touch in Somatosensory and Insular Cortice

Investigating real-life emotions in romantic couples: a mobile EEG study

Brain Knows Who Is on the Same Wavelength: Resting-State Connectivity Can Predict Compatibility of a Female–Male Relationship

Manipulation of Self-Expansion Alters Responses to Attractive Alternative Partners

Randomized Clinical Trial on the Use of PHYSTA Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia for the Improvement of Quality of Life and Sexual Well-Being in Men

For additional links and resources on Maca, Tongkat Ali and Tribulus, also see links in “Human Effect Matrix” at examine.com.
Book Links

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love

Right Brain Psychotherapy

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert

Other Links

The Gottman Institute Love Lab: A Research-Based Approach to Relationships

New York Times - The 36 Questions that Lead to Love (1/9/2015)

Timestamps
(00:00:00) Desire, Love & Attachment 
(00:02:59) Odor, Perceived Attractiveness & Birth Control
(00:08:04) Thesis, AG1 (Athletic Greens), InsideTracker 
(00:14:13) Romance: Balancing Love & Desire
(00:19:00) Animal Studies, Vasopressin & Monogamy 
(00:22:06) Strange Situation Task, Childhood Attachment Styles
(00:32:52) Adult Attachment Styles
(00:38:50) Secure Attachment 
(00:41:23) Autonomic Arousal: The “See-Saw”
(00:50:39) Tool: Self-Awareness, Healthy Interdependence
(00:53:11) Neurobiology of Desire, Love & Attachment  
(00:58:02) Empathy & Mating & the Autonomic Nervous System
(01:10:02) Positive Delusion, Touch
(01:15:20) Relationship Stability 
(01:21:22) Selecting Mates, Recognition of Autonomic Tone
(01:38:28) Neural Mechanisms of Romantic Attachment 
(01:47:43) Autonomic Coordination in Relationships 
(01:56:13) Infidelity & Cheating
(02:08:56) “Chemistry”, Subconscious Processes
(02:12:44) Tools: Libido & Sex Drive 
(02:20:20) Maca (Maca root)  
(02:25:58) Tongkat Ali (Longjack) 
(02:28:56) Tribulus terrestris 
(02:33:14) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify/Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Patreon, Instagram, Twitter, Thorne
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac
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