563: The Science Behind Attraction—And Betrayal. How Neuroscience Informs Love with Dr. Tara Swart

13 snips

Aug 13, 2024

Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist and author, dives into the intriguing science of love, heartbreak, and attraction. She explains how heartbreak activates brain regions similar to addiction and shares insights on why we sometimes gravitate towards emotionally unavailable partners. Discover the impact of dating apps on dopamine levels and the importance of intentionality in relationships. Tara encourages self-care and boundaries, highlighting that true love requires more than just initial chemistry—it thrives on shared values and genuine connection.

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INSIGHT

Brains Can Change Well Into Adulthood

Neuroplasticity means your brain can change throughout life, not just until 18 or 25.
Dr. Tara Swart emphasizes deliberate effort after 25 to maintain peak cognitive and emotional functioning.

INSIGHT

Hormones Anchor Pair Bonding

Bonding hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin concentrate in reward centers to reinforce partner preference.
Prolonged separation can reduce receptor sensitivity and weaken that bonded reward response.

ADVICE

Be Intentional About Sexual Timing

Try to understand how sexual activity and timing affect bonding chemistry.
Use that awareness to make intentional choices about intimacy and relationship pacing.

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For this week’s episode of the Highest Self Podcast, I'm sitting down with neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart to unpack the science behind attraction, love, and heartbreak. 🔬

As someone who went through an unexpected divorce in 2022, I've been on a journey of deep excavation work, and let me tell you, it's been eye-opening! 👀

Me and Dr. Tara Swart get REAL about:

The shocking truth about what happens in your brain during heartbreak 💔
Why dating apps might be messing with your dopamine (and your love life!) 📱
The real reason you might be attracted to emotionally unavailable people 🚩
How to actually manifest your soulmate (hint: it's not what you think!) ✨

But that's not all! We're also tackling big questions like:

Is marriage still serving us in 2024? 💍

Should you really "date around" or focus on one person? 🤔

And can you actually manifest your perfect partner? ✨

Whether you're a hopeless romantic lover girlie like me or a dating app skeptic, this episode will give you a whole new perspective on love and relationships.

It's time to ditch the games, embrace your authentic self, and maybe even find true love in the process! 💞It’s time to get neuroscience-y with it.

Connect with Dr. Tara Swart here. Get her book “The Source” which is about the secrets of the universe and the science of the brain here.

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