From Lust to Lasting Bonds: The Three Drives That Shape Every Relationship

How Lust, Romance, and Attachment Intertwine to Create the Web of Love

Love isn’t a single feeling—it’s a symphony. Lust, romance, and attachment each play their own melody, powered by different chemicals and serving different purposes. Lust is driven by testosterone and motivates us to seek partners. Romance, fueled by dopamine, creates obsession and focus. Attachment, built on oxytocin and vasopressin, fosters calm and stability.



These systems can operate together or independently, making relationships complex and sometimes tangled. Understanding the web of love can help us navigate passion, commitment, and the challenges of modern romance.

References: Helen Fisher, Harvard Medical School, NPR