According to the Neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp, "even animals prefer to spend time with those in whose presence they have secreted oxytocin and natural opioids, which induce a relaxed serenity."
These days, my intense studies into the dynamics of human relationships reveal a whole lot of interesting and intriguing things.
Even animals recognize and are comfortable in relationships or environments that provide understanding, acceptance, and care (oxytocin being a chemical source of caregiving, and that aids bonding).
The secretion of natural opioids in animals also explains why a pet/animal that's given attention/care always cozies up and returns for more. The dog you fondly lift and play around with, the tickle you give its ribs, and the soft furry rub they get behind their ears, under their chins, and in their belly areas, you observe this dog either becomes ecstatic for play or just lies limply as it succumbs to your caress and human care.
If you were once a stranger, you observe a certain 'I-know-this-dude/babe' reaction when next you show up. This happens due to the release of those hormones that makes them crave for more affection.
Brain studies in humans show that areas that light up upon positive acceptance with others are the very same circuitry that links with heroin and other addictive substances.
Is this not a gold mine we're ignoring here?
Daniel Coleman calls it "a neural corollary between the dynamics of opiate addiction and our dependence on the people for whom we feel our strongest attachments."
This has opened up a lot of inquisitions and possibilities for me in my research into the dynamics of human interactions.
Whilst, like every discovery, this area of study has its positive, as well as negative implications and usages, it must be clearly stated that this study and the conclusions that might be drawn from it are in themselves neutral.
Like fire, in the hands of a cook, prepares the most savory of dishes. In the hands of the arsonist however, a whole town is razed and destroyed.
