The Scientific American Book of Love, Sex and the Brain

essential element in building love.

show that sexuality can make people feel closer emotionally, especially for women.

studies confirm that we tend to bond to people who are kind, sensitive, and thoughtful. Feelings of love can emerge especially quickly when someone deliberately changes his or her behavior—say, by giving up smoking or drinking—to accommodate our needs

Kindness, accommodation, and forgiveness fuel bonding.

have shown that people tend to grow closer when they are doing something new.

Novelty heightens the senses and also makes people feel vulnerable.

show that people tend to bond emotionally when aroused through exercise, adventures, or exposure to dangerous situations.

key findings for building strong relationships:

how people learn to love each other and how to keep love alive.

Similarity increases closeness